A resolution supporting access to birth control failed this morning (Feb. 8, 2023) before the South Dakota House State Affairs Committee.
The committee killed HCR 6005 on a 7 to 4 vote.
Supporters said that since the Dobbs Supreme Court decision last summer (2022) leaving the regulation of abortion up to individual states, South Dakota women are uncertain about their ability to obtain birth control. They said US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in Dobbs that contraception might be considered next. Supporters said numerous polls show that access to birth control has broad bipartisan national support.
One opponent said the legislature should concentrate more on protecting families and not individuals.
The committee asked proponents a couple of questions, did not discuss the resolution and voted to refer it to the 41st legislative day, effectively killing it.
The House State Affairs Committee is chaired by Representative Will Mortenson of Pierre, with Representative Taylor Rehfeldt of Sioux Falls serving as vice-chair.
(The South Dakota Broadcasters Association contributed to this story.)
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