Democratic Leader Discusses Vote on Abortion Bill

Air Date:03/03/2011

By Kealey Bultena

Governor Dennis Daugaard says he's leaning toward signing a measure that changes requirements for abortion in South Dakota. It passed the Senate Thursday, and the democratic leader says he stands by his vote in favor of House Bill 1217. Senator Jason Frerichs says Democrats decided for themselves which way to vote.

“I think all of us agree that we don’t like to see abortions happen, no matter which side of the issue. My reasoning for supporting the legislation was that I think if we can have that patient be completely free of any sort of doubt that they’re fine with going through with the process, I think that’s important. So that’s where I landed on the side of supporting the legislation,” says Frerichs.

Opponents have concerns about the accuracy of that information given at pregnancy help centers or believe the bill invites lawsuits. Three of the four other Democrats voted against the abortion counseling bill, along with eight Republicans. But more than twenty Senators approved the legislation. 

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