The Daily Background

Earlier today, I noted that a while back I guessed that only a quarter of South Dakotans would actually support the abortion ban in place there. However I did admit that this was just my own estimation, which was based on poll data two years old. It turns out, I wasn’t far off the mark. Get this:

The bill that makes most abortions in South Dakota illegal is too extreme for most South Dakotans. According to a recent poll, it goes against their own personal beliefs.

[…]
Of those polled, 71% to 17% would like to see the bill referred to the ballot in November.

When asked how they would vote on it, 35% said they would keep the ban in place, while 57% would vote to overturn it because it does not include exceptions for rape and incest. 9% were undecided.

The results are consistent when asked specifically about their position on abortion. 62% said the bill conflicts with what they believe, but 32.9% agree with it.

The poll also reveals some more up to date data:

25% believe abortion should be legal in cases of rape, incest and when the mother’s life is in danger.
21% believe it should be legal and the decision should be left entirely up to the woman involved.
20% believe abortion should be legal only in cases where the mother’s life is in danger.
15% believe it should be legal and the decision should be up to the woman unless she’s younger than 16.
And 12% believe abortion should not bel [sic] legal under any circumstance.

Interesting, indeed. Looks like I wasn’t too too far off the mark, in guessing that the clear majority of South Dakotans were opposed to the ban. Source.

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