The U.S. Supreme Court just overturned 50 years of legal precedent with its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This has eliminated the federal right to abortion and endangered the health of millions of Americans, especially South Dakotans.
Here in South Dakota, a law on the books known as a ‘trigger law’ immediately outlaws abortion following this decision from the Court. South Dakotans in need of care will be required to cross state lines.
We are devastated. We are outraged. We will fight back.
Here are three actions you can take right now to stand up for abortion rights in South Dakota.
1. Donate to organizations on the front lines in South Dakota.
Fighting for abortion access is not something new in our state. There are organizations on the ground who have been working to help South Dakotans achieve reproductive freedom and will continue to fight for all, even in this new era of reproductive rights. We need your support. Consider donating to some or all of the organizations below:
Planned Parenthood North Central States: The Planned Parenthood Health Center in Sioux Falls is no longer providing abortion care, but Planned Parenthood North Central States is committed to serve patients who need care in the states where abortion remains legal. The health center is still open and offering appointments for birth control, IUDs, gender affirming hormone therapy, and other sexual and reproductive health care services.
Planned Parenthood South Dakota Advocate: We will not sit idly by as our rights are taken from us. We will fight for a better future for all South Dakotans where they can access the care they need and deserve. Fund our advocacy work which just became even more essential in the wake of this decision.
Donate to Planned Parenthood South Dakota Advocate
Justice through Empowerment Network & South Dakota Access for Every Woman: These abortion funds financially support patients in South Dakota in need of care. They have been a pinnacle feature of advancing reproductive freedom in our state and will prove even more important in the wake of increased cost to travel and access abortion outside of our state.
Donate to South Dakota Access for Every Woman
2. Register to vote and get to voting!
Legislators passed the trigger law banning abortion in South Dakota, and legislators can repeal this law. Working towards that reality starts this November. We must elect legislators who will fight for abortion access in South Dakota. It will not be easy and it is bigger than any one race or election. We are fighting a long-term battle to determine the future of our state.
Get registered to vote for this November–and make sure your friends and family are registered and ready to vote come election day.
3. Volunteer your time, whether with an abortion fund or Planned Parenthood!
Organizations on the ground can utilize your time and talent to make a difference in your community. Volunteer your time with Planned Parenthood North Central States or Justice through Empowerment Network. Your time and support makes the work of these organizations possible.
Volunteer with JEN
Thank you for being in this fight during this crucial moment. United, we will fight for a better future for South Dakota, where accessing essential health care doesn’t require crossing state lines.
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