Should South Dakota Pass the Abortion Ban?

In 1973, the Supreme Court made one of its most controversial decisions, declaring most anti-abortion laws unconstitutional. Now on November 4th, the people of South Dakota will head to the polls to vote on a proposed statewide abortion ban. With emotions running high on both sides, how should abortion be legislated in tomorrow’s America? (Editor's Note: On November 4th, South Dakota voters rejected Measure 11 to ban abortion.)

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abortion issues

I'm just thankful my mother didn't take my life away. One big problem with this "law" is that it was never taken to the people for a vote. A few old guys in robes decided for us that it should be legal. I say let each state put it to the people, like South Dakota, and keep the Feds out of it.
Sid, you say you don't know when life begins, but you do know it's not at conception..??? Which is it? you don't know but you do know? Life is life whether we believe in it or not.

- robbyjon October 18, 2008 10:07AM

Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: Yes

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- When life begins (late reply)
  
  robbyjohn said "Sid, you say you don't know when life begins, but you do know it's not at conception..??? Which is it? you don't know but you do know? Life is life whether we believe in it or not."
  
  I don't see the problem. They're separate questions. Does life begin at conception? No. Does life begin at birth? I don't know..maybe. Does life begin in the 30th week of gestation? I don't know...maybe. My point is that the beginning of life cannot be defined by means of oversimplified developmental stages, like conception or birth, or by arbitrary physiological criteria like heartbeat. Human life must be defined functionally, based on the acquisition of higher order consciousness/awareness, which are hallmarks of the human mind, and essential characteristics of human beings vs. other animals. At this point, those concepts are strictly philosophical since science cannot even define them clearly, let alone state with certainty when they begin.
  
  I realize this is a hot-button issue, especially in view of the deep religious views of most Americans. I also realize that it is psychologically satisfying to have simple black-and-white answers to important issues. But this does not justify sweeping, blanket pronouncements by either side in the absence of supporting facts.
  
  I'm afraid we just have to live with the uncertainty, and keep our laws flexible enough to accommodate it.
  
  Sid
  
  - SidAirfoil November 4, 2008 8:46AM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No
  
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- If, would and belief
  
  If your mother had aborted you, like nature probably did to a dozen or so other fertilized eggs before you, you would have never known. The states don't get to vote on every issue, get over it. Just imagine that we left slavery and jim crow laws up to the states!
  
  "Life is life whether we believe in it or not."
  what does that mean? that no matter what the facts turn out to be you will deny reality and leave your opinion to be guided by this "belief"? And what if you were born in a country that had no restrictions on abortion whatsoever, then you would believe that way. How unfortunate that decisions in life are made because of the geographical location where one is born. Thinking, examining, and reflecting are worthy things to do during one's life.
  
  - mangueken February 28, 2009 9:43AM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (1) Side: No
  
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- Crap
  
  I just recommended you and I totally didn't mean to.
  
  What's the most ridiculous is this:
  
  It's like you don't even know what you're talking about because this about THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA PUTTING THIS ISSUE TO A VOTE.
  
  christ on astick, but i'm of the opinion you shouldn't vote if you don't know what the crap you're talking about.
  
  - SocialistBetty March 23, 2009 2:31AM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No
  
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Allow Abortions

I just recently was pregnant with a baby that had a fatal condition called anencephaly. This is a ntd where the brain and top of the skull do not form. I was told that my baby would die once it was born, if it was not stillborn.

I could not emotionally handle carrying a baby for 4 more months that I knew would die. I could not sit at home in a bubble and be depressed. I have responsibilies like my daughter to take care of as well as work and school.

Medicaid would not allow me to deliver the baby early in the hospital. SO YES I HAD AN ABORTION BY ANOMALY.
No woman should have to carry a baby that she knows will die immediately after birth.

Anyone who wants to ban abortions will ban all abortions..even the ones that women need!

- allforsun April 6, 2009 6:24PM

Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: No

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