Following the shameful Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision recognizing the constitutional right to abortion nearly 50 years ago, abortion rights advocates are organizing and planning to fight continued attacks on abortion access in South Dakota. Supporters will hold a rally and community building event in Sioux Falls on July 10.
Because of a trigger law that’s been on the books since 2005, abortion is now a criminal act in South Dakota. Additionally, Gov. Kristi Noem has indicated that she’ll call a special session of the South Dakota Legislature to further tighten the state’s abortion restrictions.
Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund and the ACLU of South Dakota are encouraging people to come together and take action during the Our Bodies, Our Futures Rally and Community Building Event.
“Our access to abortion shouldn't depend on where we live, how much money we make, or who we are. We should be able to make the best medical decisions for ourselves and our families,” said Kristin Hayward, manager of advocacy and development in South Dakota for Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund. “We will be organizing supporters, at the legislature and at the ballot box making our voices heard every day until we all have the freedom in South Dakota to access the care we need without obstacles, shame, stigma, or harassment.”
South Dakotans have twice voted down ballot measures – in 2006 and 2008 – that would have banned abortion. A 2021 poll by South Dakota News Watch shows that three-quarters of registered voters in the state want abortion to remain legal, and that a solid majority of voters do not support increasing restrictions on the procedure.
“We know South Dakotans support access to abortion, and we are ready to fight back against any attempt to silence our voices,” said Jett Jonelis, ACLU of South Dakota advocacy manager. “This moment demands that we come together to work toward a future where abortion care is there for everyone who needs it. Politicians in South Dakota may have just gotten the green light from the Supreme Court to enforce their cruel agenda, but we won’t give up without a fight.”
Banning abortion is one pillar of an effort to write outdated gender norms into the law, with far-reaching consequences for women and everyone who can become pregnant. The same politicians seeking to control the bodies of pregnant people are coming for the right to access birth control and gender-affirming care, marry who you love, and vote.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Our Bodies, Our Futures Rally and Community Building Event
WHEN: Noon, Sunday, July 10
WHERE: The rally will take place on the east side of the Minnehaha County Courthouse, 425 N. Dakota Ave. The community building event will follow at Van Eps Park, 300 N. Minnesota Ave.
DETAILS: On Facebook.
For people who can’t join the rally in person, the ACLU of South Dakota has digital rally assets available to post on social media.
About Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund
Founded in 1992, the Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization. As an advocacy and electoral arm of PPNCS, we mobilize supporters of all parties to defend and increase access to family planning services and fact based, medically accurate sexuality education. We work to inspire and engage citizens to take up the cause of reproductive health and rights through education, electoral activity, grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy.
About the ACLU of South Dakota
The American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of civil liberties and civil rights. The ACLU of South Dakota is part of a three-state chapter that also includes North Dakota and Wyoming. The team in South Dakota is supported by staff in those states.
The ACLU believes freedoms of press, speech, assembly, and religion, and the rights to due process, equal protection and privacy, are fundamental to a free people. In addition, the ACLU seeks to advance constitutional protections for groups traditionally denied their rights, including people of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit communities. The ACLU of South Dakota carries out its work through selective litigation, lobbying at the state and local level, and through public education and awareness of what the Bill of Rights means for the people of South Dakota.
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