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Contact: Press Office
Dakotans for Health
605-610-8146
SCOTUS Skips Stripping More Freedoms (For Now), But Extreme SD Abortion Ban Remains: Amendment G Must Pass
June 13, 2024
Sioux Falls, SD...Rick Weiland, co-founder of Dakotans for Health and primary sponsor of the recently qualified reproductive rights amendment ballot measure, applauded the unanimous decision of the US Supreme Court that for now protects women's access to mifepristone, a critical early-term abortion medication. Weiland called this decision a temporary but important step forward for reproductive rights and healthcare access.
In response to the Court's ruling, Weiland stated, "Today's decision reaffirms the importance of preserving women's access to safe and effective healthcare options. By rejecting attempts to restrict mifepristone, the Court has upheld the rights of millions of women across the country. It is a temporary victory but an important one for reproductive justice."
Weiland expressed solidarity with women in South Dakota and other states where total abortion bans remain. "It is deeply troubling that women in South Dakota and 13 other states are denied the freedom to choose mifepristone. Free men and women deserve the freedom to choose medications that have been extensively proven to be safe. Mifepristone is one of these,” he emphasized.
While acknowledging the significance of the Supreme Court's decision, Weiland stressed the ongoing importance of proactive measures to protect reproductive rights. "We cannot rely solely on court rulings to safeguard women's access to healthcare. That's why the people of South Dakota, not the politicians, are going to decide for themselves this November what kind of reproductive freedom they want. South Dakota’s current abortion ban is too radical – no exceptions for rape, incest or dangerous problem pregnancies. Our Freedom Amendment would simply restore the rights women had for 50 years under Roe v. Wade,” he explained.
The initiated amendment, sponsored by Dakotans for Health, aims to ensure that women in South Dakota retain the right to make decisions about their own bodies and healthcare. Weiland urged voters to support the measure and defend women's reproductive rights and access to early-term medications like mifepristone.
"We must continue to advocate for policies that prioritize healthcare access and reproductive justice for all," Weiland declared. "Together, we can create a future where every individual has the freedom to make informed choices about their health and well-being."
Please direct press inquiries to press@dakotans4health.com.
About us: Dakotans for Health is a grassroots organization focused on healthcare and protecting the democratic process. The organization was instrumental in the successful 2022 campaign to expand Medicaid coverage to 52,000 low-income South Dakotans. Dakotans for Health is dedicated to ensuring all South Dakotans have access to the care they need, no matter who they are, what they look like, or how much money they have. In May 2024, Dakotans for Health submitted a record number of signatures for its ballot measures, Amendment G to restore reproductive rights, and IM 28 to repeal the state's regressive tax on groceries.
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About Dakotans for Health:
Dakotans for Health is a grassroots organization focused on healthcare and protecting the democratic process. In 2024, our petitions to restore abortion rights in South Dakota and repeal the regressive state sales tax on groceries were certified and approved by the Secretary of State. Vote YES on Amendment G and IM 28! The organization was also instrumental in the successful 2022 campaign to expand Medicaid coverage to 52,000 low-income South Dakotans. Dakotans for Health is dedicated to ensuring all South Dakotans have access to the care they need, no matter who they are, what they look like, or how much money they have.
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