A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit over a South Dakota abortion-rights measure that voters rejected. The measure, known as Initiative 11, sought to ban abortions after 22 weeks of pregnancy except in cases of medical emergency. However, in November 2020, South Dakota voters overwhelmingly rejected the measure.
The lawsuit was filed by the Campaign for Healthy Families, a group that supports abortion rights, and argued that Initiative 11 violated the state’s constitution by addressing more than one subject. The group also claimed that the initiative’s signature collection process was flawed.
U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier dismissed the lawsuit, stating that the plaintiffs did not provide enough evidence to show that Initiative 11 violated the state constitution. She also found that the signature collection process was in compliance with state law.
The dismissal of the lawsuit is a victory for anti-abortion groups, who had supported Initiative 11 as a way to restrict access to abortion in South Dakota. However, abortion rights advocates have vowed to continue fighting for reproductive rights in the state.
The case highlights the ongoing battle over abortion rights in South Dakota and across the country. While the rejection of Initiative 11 was a setback for anti-abortion forces, the dismissal of the lawsuit represents a win for those seeking to protect reproductive rights.
Ultimately, the decision by Judge Schreier underscores the complex legal and political landscape surrounding abortion rights in the United States. As the debate continues, both sides will likely continue to push for their respective agendas, setting the stage for further legal battles and political maneuvering.
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