[Deathpenalty]death penalty news --- SOUTH DAKOTA

[Joerg Sommer]

death penalty news

February 14, 2005


SOUTH DAKOTA:

S.D. Dilemma: Abortion Vs. The Death Penalty

Watertown Public Opinion: Abortion No; Death Penalty Yes

As expected, a slurry of abortion-related bills were introduced to the 
Legislature.

-- SB198 would ban most abortions in South Dakota -- the exception being if 
a woman's life was in danger.

-- HB1233 would set up a task force to study abortion and report findings 
to the Legislature.

-- HB1166 would require doctors to fully inform women about the 
consequences of abortion.

-- SB193 requires notification of parents prior to a minor's procedure.

-- SB203 launches a statewide ban on abortions should the U.S. Supreme 
Court rule abortions are illegal.

Apparently, however, the concern over the sanctity of life ends there. A 
move to put an end to the death penalty in South Dakota didn't make it out 
of committee on Monday.

Legislators themselves see the contradiction in that action. The bill's 
sponsor said it doesn't make sense to oppose abortion and support the death 
penalty.

Others disagree.

Well, that's a discussion legislators can hold until they're blue in the 
face and they won't come to a conclusion supported by all. But the fact 
that it will take place at all highlights an unsolvable dilemma many in 
South Dakota face.

(source: Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan)