Campus reaction to SD abortion ban mixed

By Natalie Garcia
The Collegian

South Dakota Gov. Michael Rounds may have made history Monday when he signed a law making abortion illegal in his state, carrying a punishment of up to five years in prison for doctors who defy the legislation.

The abortion ban is a direct challenge to the landmark 1973 Supreme Court case, Roe v. Wade, that made abortion legal nationwide.

The governor’s decision has made national headlines and forced many Americans to consider their beliefs on the issue.

“I don’t disagree with his policy. I feel everyone has the right to life. It’s not the baby’s fault,” said Erika Salazar, a junior theatre arts major.

For Eric Hiett, the director of Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU), Gov. Rounds’ decision brings larger issue into debate: What is “life”?

“If it is a life, we need to protect it,” Hiett said. “Some people bring the question can it (a fetus) sustain itself outside the womb? The answer is no. But what about people who are incapacitated? I think (not caring for them) is equally as horrible.”

Not everyone agrees with Gov. Rounds attempt at challenging federal precedent.

“The first thing that occurred to me is that this is really quick after the two new justices,” said Eileen Walsh, a history and women’s studies professor. “If people didn’t think their vote mattered in the last election, they do now.”

Kai Stafford, a junior political science major, said the governor overstepped his bounds.

“I think ultimately it should be the mother’s decision,” she said. “First of all, I don’t think a law like this would be brought to California. I wouldn’t want my rights taken away from me.”

Although the South Dakota law and a possible Supreme Court showdown will have no effect on current California law, state abortion rights advocates were still upset by the legislation.

“We’re outraged by the ban,” said Patsy Montgomery, the regional director of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, an affiliate of the nationwide organization. “We feel it is out of step with mainstream America.”

Montgomery said a CNN/USA Today poll conducted this year showed that 66 percent of Americans support abortion rights. She also expressed concerns about having to compensate for states that might ban abortion, forcing women to travel places where the procedure is still legal to receive treatment.

“If Roe v. Wade is overturned, states where access is prohibited, women struggling with poverty and the working poor will be disproportionately affected,” Montgomery said. “Women with means will always have access to safer medical care.”

Political commentators said Gov. Rounds’ timing is impeccable, coming just months after two Catholic Supreme Court Justices, John Roberts and Samuel Alito, have been confirmed to the high court.

“It’s intended to take advantage of what abortion opponents see as an opportunity,” said Yishaiya Abosch, an assistant political science professor. “Clearly the legislature in South Dakota thinks this is their shot.”

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