Will South Dakota ever get a break?
Ever since the pivotal, nail biting 2006 vote to kick out the most restrictive abortion ban in the country, we had high hopes for the future of reproductive rights in South Dakota.
Until this week.
The progressive interest in women’s health that South Dakotans beautifully displayed over a year ago apparently went unheard by the state legislature as they struck down the “Birth Control Protection Act” 12-22. If passed, the bill would have protected reproductive rights by amending the existing law that gives immunity to pharmacists who deny their patients birth control. Instead, pharmacists and health care providers remain free to impose their own moral beliefs on those seeking contraceptives and block access to medication.
Efforts to counter the measure have been supported by the local chapter of Planned Parenthood. Sarah Stoesz, the President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota responded to the decision by saying:
“The Birth Control Protection Act would have ensured that women and couples had greater opportunities to prevent unintended pregnancy by making birth control accessible and limiting government intrusion into personal, private health matters. This is a missed opportunity to take a positive, concrete step toward reducing unintended pregnancy and the need for abortion in South Dakota.”
The organization maintains the Stand Up South Dakota campaign to petition the state to protect accessibility to contraceptives and comprehensive sex ed in South Dakota. Make sure to check it out.