To the Editor:
Regarding the abortion controversy. Right now I believe we have the worst of all possible situations.
We have an abortion ban which does not prevent abortion. In 2023 there were more abortions in South Dakota and nationwide than before Roe v. Wade was overturned. Both infant mortality and maternal mortality have increased.
Current law prevents women with early pregnancy complications from getting life-saving care regardless of whether the pregnancy is wanted or not. What am I talking about?
When women in early pregnancy develop complications like heavy bleeding or premature rupture of membranes, medical providers are barred by current law from intervening.
Intervention in such cases commonly involves relatively simple and safe procedures but there is no way for medical staff to know if this is a miscarriage or an induced abortion.
Delayed intervention, as required by law, until the womans life is actually threatened carries major risks for life and health.
Because of this and other issues I urge a YES vote on Amendment G.
Amendment G does not solve all of these problems, but it gets us back to a situation where medical staffs can provide the care they know is needed without fear legal punishment.
Much of the emotional abortion debate is seriously misguided.
The fundamental issue is unwanted pregnancy. Women who desire pregnancy should receive every possible support and those who do not want a pregnancy should be supported in their efforts to avoid it.
Support for materials and education regarding pregnancy planning has actually declined and there are now proposals in Congress for further cuts.
If we reduce unwanted pregnancies we reduce abortions. In my view that is both the most effective and humane way to approach the problem.
YES on Amendment G.
Tom Dean, MD
Wessington Springs
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