South Dakota is voting on a bill whereby abortions would be illegal in the state, except in the case where the mother's life was in danger. Doctors found performing abortions in South Dakota would face felony charges. Supporters of the bill in the State Legislation believe the time is "right": they fully expect the case to go up before the Supreme Court and if that happens, for the Supreme Court to support the bill with the recent appointments of Justice Alito and Chief Justice Roberts. Too, they believe that Justice Stephens will soon retire, leaving yet a third opening to be appointed by President Bush. They are greatly encouraged by the decision by the Supreme Court to hear the case surrounding the partial-abortion ban passed by the US Congress in 2004 that was announced earlier today.
This is a very scary situation for the women of South Dakota. As I have always maintained, I do not understand why strangers should make decisions with regards to my body. They are not, afterall, the one who will have to carry the child to term. Too, I find the arguments for abortion to revolve around when life begins, and often falling into the religious zone. This is a big no-no for me: religion should stay out of politics, as much as possible. One person's moral views is not another's. If there existed compelling evidence for life at conception, I would be sympathetic. Sadly for the pro-Life faction, I do not find their evidence particularly believable.
Should South Dakota pass this bill and the governor sign it into law, this will become the big abortion showdown this country has seemed to be moving towards in recent years.
