The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, giving us the ability to bring abortion policy back to the state level, is something we are proud of as it moved us one step closer to stopping elective abortions once and for all. However, while we celebrated this accomplishment, something else began to manifest within the states: pro-choice-funded ballot efforts to preserve abortion started winning on election day in states where a pro-choice win wasn't thought to have been possible.

The most surprising scenario was that of the people in Kansas, where the effort for an abortion ban lost 59-41% in an election with one of the biggest turnouts in Kansas history. Kansas is just one of six states where this has occurred thus far. While there are many ways to interpret these results, it's time to say the hard part out loud: if state legislatures do not work on updating codes to reflect medical technology and provide for cautious legislation, pro-abortion laws may slip through by the hands of the people, by the form of a ballot measure, like the proposed ballot measure that is being circulated in South Dakota that will go up for a vote in 2024.

What has happened in other states and the need for clarification has triggered discussion amongst our Governor's office, members of the SD legislature, and SD Right to Life. Last June, we came together ad-hoc to discuss the best path forward to satisfy the people of SD and protect our state from voters making a confused choice at the ballot box, which would have horrible consequences for women and babies. The Governor decided against holding a special session, but I was very thankful to have been asked to be a part of this group discussion as we looked to what we could do during the legislative session to come together and create responsible legislation to protect mothers and babies.

Despite our efforts as a group last summer and last session, no legislation was passed to satisfy the group's goals. There is a pro-abortion ballot measure being circulated for signatures right now. This ballot measure is beyond irresponsible, and quite frankly, it is utterly terrible pro-choice policy. Do not sign this petition, and do not vote for this! Even as a policymaker, when I read through this ballot measure, it is confusing and hard to understand that the language allows for elective abortions through the third trimester. This ballot measure would put Roe V. Wade back in place, and SD would be one of the most pro-abortion States in the union! If passed, SD would be another state that lost its pro-life battle.

But I have faith that we can beat this measure. This battle and future battles cannot be fought as a game of checkers, simply fighting each issue as it comes up. This is more like a three-dimensional chess game; in fact, this is a war that we are in with abortion rights activists, and they will continue to come back for this election after election.

The only way to stop bad policy is with good policy, just like what last summer's group of stakeholders had planned to do. Suppose South Dakota wants to continue to be a state that does not have Roe V. Wade in its state constitution. In that case, the legislature must work to show voters through its actions that we can be pro-life while making sure women feel safe carrying babies. We can make sure families feel comfortable undergoing multiple pregnancies, as they see fit, to grow their family. I believe we can achieve this, and I dedicate myself to working towards a prolife South Dakota that is one of the safest states for babies, mothers, and families to continue to thrive.