South Dakota's top elected officials support government control of women’s reproductive abilities
We elected them. What were we thinking?
Sen. John Thune in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2004, 2010, 2016 and 2022.
Sen. Mike Rounds in 2002, 2006, 2014 and 2020.
Congressman Dusty Johnson in 2004, 2010, 2018, 2020 and 2022.
Gov. Kristi Noem in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2022.
They all support the kidnapping of girl’s and women’s wombs, placing them under the control of state government.
Each of them have issued statements supporting the kidnapping. Each of them belong to the party that USED to believe in small government. Each of them have issued statements criticizing “government overreach.”
Also, their party USED to preach personal liberty((freedom). Not anymore.
At the risk of getting snarky, these people are all wealthy. If anyone in their family circle was raped, impregnated by a relative, or were experiencing a problem pregnancy, they could easily sneak that relative out of state, escaping the kidnappers (our governor and legislators).
How convenient for them. For the record I’m not a fan of abortion for birth control.
I strongly reject government interference in family matters. I hope you do, too.
I’m supporting Amendment G (proponents gathering signatures for the amendment’s spot on the November ballot are shown above in an image from the Dakotans for Health Facebook page). If you believe in small government and personal freedom, I think you should, too.
Opponents of Amendment G say it is too extreme. Actually the current anti-freedom law currently on the books IS extreme.
It takes total control of a girl’s womb as soon as she starts menstruating and keeps that control till menopause. No medical help in the case a rape, an act of violence. No medical help for a young girl impregnated by her uncle, cousin, brother, or father. No medical help allowed except in limited circumstances for problem pregnancies.
Adding insult to already chaotic circumstances, the people supporting this law provide ZERO financial support for counseling, pre- and post-birth care. Final insult, medical folks can be charged with a crime for providing assistance to end the psychological, emotional and physical trauma of an unwanted pregnancy.
To me, the current law is EXTREME, CRUEL, and INHUMANE. It makes all women victims. It relegates women to be government controlled “babymakers.” No regard for the circumstances and consequences.
The current law is immoral and unethical. It needs to be replaced with Amendment G.
Rick Knobe is a former mayor of Sioux Falls and a longtime radio talk show host who is now retired but remains active and involved in his community and state. His columns appear regularly on The South Dakota Standard.
