Pro-choice groups prepare responses to abortion ban

Beth Herskovits 13-Mar-06

WASHINGTON: The passage of new legislation in South Dakota banning nearly all abortions is being challenged by pro-choice advocates because of its potential to reverse Roe v. Wade. Besides mulling national campaigns, groups are working to reassure South Dakota women that their reproductive options are not in jeopardy.

"What's important for people to understand is that this bill will be immediately enjoined and will not become law," said Vicki Saporta, president and CEO of the National Abortion Federation (NAF), a professional group for abortion providers. "It's a frontal attack on Roe that we don't expect to be successful."

The NAF is reaching out to women, policymakers, and healthcare professionals through media relations, information on its Web site, and its blog.

The National Organization for Women and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are still strategizing about their responses.

Lorraine Kenny, public education coordinator for the ACLU's Reproductive Freedom Project, said the group is engaged in media relations and is working with its South Dakota affiliate, as well as reaching out to members nationwide. "Our main message is that any abortion ban endangers women's lives," she said.

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