Yesteday, we told you about HCR1001, a resolution to recognize January 22-28, 2012, as Reproductive Rights Awareness Week. As written, the resolution would have encouraged public awareness and conversation regarding reproductive rights nationwide.
Unfortunately, after a short-and heated-debate yesterday, where some pretty outlandish accusations were made, the House voted 53 to 12 against the resolution.
We believe this is unfortunate since South Dakotans have been very clear in the votes of 2006 and 2008 that we don’t want to see further government intrusion into reproductive health care. In fact, in a poll conducted following the last attempt to ban abortion in South Dakota, 58% said they wanted the legislature work together to prevent unwanted pregnancies by supporting family planning, abstinence-first education, and birth control.
This is just one of the reasons why the South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families continues to work hard for the women and families of South Dakota. And, as we stated yesterday, we feel it is important for all South Dakotans to recognize that a goal of reducing abortion in South Dakota is best accomplished by working toward constructive measures that reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancy and, in turn, reduce the demand for abortion.
Please continue to watch the developments in legislative session. The debate is just starting on HB 1185 which would prohibit coverage for abortion services from being offered in any Health Care Exchange plan created in South Dakota under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (health care reform). The proposed law could have vast implications for private insurers and health plans that want to offer coverage for reproductive health care services to women and families in South Dakota.