SD lawmaker tells VP Harris at White House circular: ‘abortion ban’ will not apply ‘

WASHINGTON – A South Dakota state representative was in Washington on Friday for talks with Vice President Kamala Harris and other lawmakers on the fight for women’s reproductive rights in Republican-controlled states.

Representative Erin Haley, D-Sioux Falls, representing South Dakota at the White House, along with Democratic lawmakers from Florida, Indiana, Montana and Nebraska – all Republican governors and Republican-controlled lawmakers.

The discussion took place on the same day.

“Weeks ago, the United States Supreme Court did something unthinkable and unprecedented in their eyes, which is the constitutional right of the United States Supreme Court – previously recognized – by American women and with great consequences,” Harris began. It’s not a law school debate, it’s not a scholarly debate, it’s true, it will affect women and girls in the United States.

Harris said the group believed that all women should be able to make decisions for themselves without interference from the government.

Harris went on to say, “With her pastor, her priest, her rabbi, her family, she must be able to decide whether or not to have an abortion in a safe palace.” Doctor, but does not require government permission.

Describing the reversal of the RoVWad as a “health problem,” Harris cited the story of a 10-year-old girl who was denied abortion under Ohio law and recognized the importance of abortion.

Jeremy Fugleberg / Forum News Service

“When we look at this issue, we know that it will hurt our country at every level, in every and every region.” “We recognize the power, importance and responsibility of the federal government to partner with elected leaders at the local, state and federal levels.”

Harris discussed the issue with five lawmakers – four women – adding that 12 states currently prohibit abortion in case of rape.

After hearing from Indiana State Representative Phil GiaQuinta and Florida State Representative Fentrice Driskell, Harris asked her to share her views on South Dakota’s abortion laws.

“South Dakota Proclamation Laws Strict Restrictions on Abortion After Roy’s overthrow, our governor and Republican lawmakers are still calling for a special session to strengthen the state’s abortion statues. He told the vice president: “Any law that requires doctors outside the state to comply with South Dakota law must be considered unconstitutional and completely unenforceable.” ”

After South Dakota posted the news on Twitter in June, South Dakota State Rep.

Haley reaffirmed her belief that South Dakota should be free to travel anywhere in the country and that it would be a rumor that would limit the draft law to a foreseeable future.

Haley also expressed concern that abortion as a 6th grade crime – up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $ 4,000 – would threaten doctors in South Dakota, prompting some to leave. State.

“Doctors are leaving our state because they are unable to provide proper care to their patients or are too scared to provide the necessary care,” he said. “How close should a person be to death before a doctor can intervene?”

In her final appeal to the vice president, Haley shared the message that people need abortion, not statistics.

“Abortion is often a matter of numbers and statistics, and every person who wants to have an abortion has a history and a life. The South Dakots who need abortions are real people. Everyone who needs abortions is real people,” he said. These are the lives and stories we deserve, and what I will continue to do today is to discuss abortion policies in our country and in South Dakota …. “

Following Helen, Nebraska Senator Patty Pinging Brooks and Montana Sen. Diane Sands, as neighbors of South Dakota, shared their concerns.

“My daughter is no longer responsible for the way I live. The government should not sit at the test table with my daughter or any of our daughters. … Women are being sent to the dark ages without saying a word and what will happen to their most personal issues in the world, ”said Pansing Brooks. But there is always hope for women in our country. We must vote, as President Biden said today. We have to go out and vote.

Pansing Brooks shared her experience with the Nebraska legislature.

“The fight to protect reproductive rights will continue with passion and determination as we wait for the Nebraska University Special Session,” Pansing Brooks said. “I do not endanger Nebraska’s life and I will continue to fight for all women’s reproductive rights.”

After about 20 minutes of discussion, Harris concluded the meeting by pointing out lawmakers and online observers to vote in the upcoming election.

“Well, this really highlights the importance of the election,” Harris said.

Although South Dakota Governor Christie Noem has announced a special session, no dates have been set for the meeting, as the state legislature is working to find days for the reconvening of 105 bicameral councils in Pierre.