10 states with abortion referendums in 2024
South Dakota
A proposed constitutional amendment that will appear on the ballot in South Dakota as Amendment G would amend the state constitution to establish a framework governing the legality of abortion in each trimester of pregnancy.
“Before the end of the first trimester, the State may not regulate a pregnant woman’s abortion decision and its effectuation, which must be left to the judgment of the pregnant woman,” the proposal asserts.
Meanwhile, the ballot measure would impose limits on abortion in subsequent trimesters if passed.
“After the end of the first trimester and until the end of the second trimester, the State may regulate the pregnant woman’s abortion decision and its effectuation only in ways that are reasonably related to the physical health of the pregnant woman.”
In the third trimester, “the State may regulate or prohibit abortion, except when abortion is necessary, in the medical judgment of the woman’s physician, to preserve the life or health of the pregnant woman.”
A May 2024 poll from South Dakota News Watch of 500 registered voters measures support for the ballot proposal at 53.6% while pegging opposition to it at 35.6%. A previous poll conducted by South Dakota News Watch of 500 registered voters in November 2023 found that 45.6% of South Dakotans plan on supporting the proposed constitutional amendment while 43.6% signaled their intent to oppose it.
Abortion law in South Dakota prohibits all abortions except in cases where the life of the mother is in danger.
Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com