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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Life vs. personhood

A slippery slope.

Thanks for clarifying. Currently, in Colorado, USA, there is an attempt to constitutionally define "personhood" as starting from conception. To me, this is a silly notion.

But on the flip side, it's a dangerous thing to base an argument on "I just don't know when that happens. And since no one else does either, we should leave up to each of us."

I'd rather apply hard science and err on the side of not generating needless suffering. There has to be a point where nociceptors are up and running. At that point, a fetus has a clear interest in not being injured and killed. I don't know where that point is, and it sounds like you don't either, but that should not justify making potential inflicting of pain and death a "personal" choice.

At the same time, do I think this decision should start with legislation? Nah. I think that, as I feel with most big ethically-based laws, the moral majority should make that happen. And that won't happen until we have more information, more education, and some effective methods of planning, protection, and prevention in regards to human reproduction.

- mike October 16, 2008 2:47PM

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