South Dakota -- National Right to Life joined pro-abortion groups to protest against House Bill 1191 which banned nearly all abortions, making it illegal and a felony that could cost a woman 15 years in prison. Lobbyists claim this to be the greatest restriction on abortions since Roe v. Wade, 1973.
In response to the comment made by National Right to Life that this was not "the right time" for such a bill, President and Chief Counsel of the Law Center Richard Thompson said:
"It is one thing for National Right to Life to disagree with the timing of a bill banning abortions, it is another thing for them to join forces with pro-abortionists to kill the ban – it is a betrayal of the unborn and pro-life movement. When is it the wrong time to do what is right? This organization has lost the moral authority to lead the pro-life cause."
"There is something horribly wrong when South Dakota Right to Life and Planned Parenthood are on the same side of an [abortion] issue," commented South Dakota representative Matt McCaulley, who sponsored the bill.
After passing the state House with a 54 to 14 vote, the bill to ban abortions made it to the Senate. Through a compromise made with pro-abortionists, the Senate made an exception, protecting the life of the mother if at risk.
This measure was approved by an 18 to 17 vote.
The governor, however, vetoed the bill, calling for technical changes to be made before it becomes law.
The House passed the bill in an overwhelming vote once again, but with the aid of National Right to Life, Senator Duenwald defeated it, 18 to 17.
"We were shocked, saddened and dismayed that National Right to Life lobbied against this bill. In effect, they aborted the right to life bill," said Leslee Unruh, member of Right to Life.
Even after 31 years have passed since the Roe v. Wade ruling that made abortion a constitutional right, National Right to Life claimed it not to be the right time.
