Most would think that Measure 11 failed because 55% of the voters are pro-choice. I have a feeling that couldn’t be farther from the truth. I think people in South Dakota that would consider themselves ‘prochoice’ is a pretty small percentage, I think most people fit into a grey area like myself. Though personally pro-life, I still think women have the right to choose. So does that make me pro-choice? Not sure.  I think a lot of South Dakotans fit into that category.
I was surprised as anyone that Measure 11 failed. I thought for sure it would either pass or at least be a very close vote. But once I started thinking about it, I came to some conclusions that may explain why South Dakotans rejected it.
This is how I think the vote broke down, and obviously it is not scientific, just pulled out of my butt.
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Actual self-proclaimed pro-choicers probably made up a small percentage of the vote, but still a significant number. Most of these people are probably long time feminists or young single college aged girls.
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Personally prolife but actually prochoice were probably the biggest voting bloc. Probably on the fence, though they may personally disagree with abortion for themselves, they do not want the government deciding for other people.
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Hardcore pro-lifers I would assume voted against IM11 because they still think a total ban is the way to go (no exceptions).
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The medical community, especially doctors and nurses that work in women’s health probably voted NO in large percentages because they don’t want government intrusion in medical decisions. One person even pointed out that if the ban passed it may also be in violation of HIPPA laws.
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Another group that may have participated is people who want small government, though they may loathe abortion as a practice, they may think that government overseeing who can and cannot have abortions isn’t a good idea.
–         My last group may surprise you; Cheapskates. These are people who realized that if IM11 passed there would be a very long drawn out court case that South Dakota taxpayers would have to pay for, and ultimately the ban would never take effect anyway because it would be tied up in the courts  for years.
Any others I missed?
I was a little surprised at the numbers this time too. Talking with people this time around, I think several were worried about the troubles the mother would have to go through to prove that she was indeed raped or molested. Many don’t think it would be fair to the mother to put her through the court system and possibly subject her to a long-drawn out deal for something that should be her right medically and was completely against her will. At least if it was completely illegal, women would have their answer, raped or not. Truth be told, I don’t think many cared for the exceptions. It was either all or none.
I think you are right – You either on one side of the fence or the other.
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Personally, I thought the ban was useless both times. It would have cost us a ton, but prevented approximately ZERO abortions.
The money spent pushing/fighting the bans, plus any potential legal fees from a court battle could be used to fund things that actually prevent unplanned pegnancies and abortions – like good sex-ed, cheap contraception, and fighting to change adoption laws.
The backers of the ban were willing to spend millions of tax dollars fighting the supreme court just to potentially save one baby from being aborted, but I doubt they’d be so generous about funding the things I mentioned -even though it’s proven that they actually reduce the need for abortion.
Feel like banging your head against the wall?
Nah. The bruise that’s there now would only get bigger.
I’d like to band somebody else’s head against the wall.