Shakes here… Fasten your seatbelts. We’re in for quite a ride, I fear.
Lawmakers here are preparing to vote on a bill that would outlaw nearly all abortions in South Dakota, a measure that could become the most sweeping ban approved by any state in more than a decade, those on both sides of the abortion debate say.
If the bill passes a narrowly divided Senate in a vote expected on Wednesday, and is signed by Gov. Michael Rounds, a Republican who opposes abortion, advocates of abortion rights have pledged to challenge it in court immediately — and that is precisely what the bill's supporters have in mind.
Optimistic about the recent changes on the United States Supreme Court, some abortion opponents say they have new hope that a court fight over a ban here could lead to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that made abortion legal around the country.
"I'm convinced that the timing is right for this," said State Representative Roger Hunt, a Republican who has sponsored the bill, noting the appointments of Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. to the court.
…[Referencing] conjecture that Justice John Paul Stevens, 85, might soon retire, [Mr. Hunt added], "I think it will all culminate at the right time."
Bravo, Mr. Hunt. What an impressive victory this could mean for you, being the man who stopped safe and legal abortions in America. But make no mistake, sir—even if you succeed, you won't be stopping abortion.
