02/27/2006

Fidelis Urges South Dakota Governor to Protect Women and Sign Abortion Ban
South Dakota has taken a necessary and bold step toward protecting the real rights of women

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fidelis, a national Catholic- based advocacy organization encouraged Governor Mike Rounds (R-SD) to sign House Bill 1215, a bill that would protect women by banning most abortions in South Dakota. The bill is widely viewed as a “frontal assault” on Roe v. Wade.

Fidelis President Joseph Cella stated: “This is the leading edge of a growing women’s movement to protect women and children from the disastrous effects of abortion. South Dakota has taken a necessary and bold step toward protecting the real rights of women. We are honored to play a part in this historic effort and encourage Governor Rounds to sign the bill.”

Fidelis Vice President Brian Burch stated: “The enormous amount of information now available on the harm to women brought about by legalized abortion is incredible. Study after study has shown that abortion is devastating for women. This growing body of evidence puts South Dakota is a very strong position because the courts are going to have to confront this explosive new information that was not available in the past.”

Fidelis has worked with constitutional experts from around the country to provide South Dakota with assistance on the South Dakota legislation. Lawyer and former state representative Matt McCaulley, who introduced a similar ban in the 2004 South Dakota Legislature, served as a lobbyist for Fidelis throughout the process.

"Mr. McCaulley was instrumental in working with several legislators and groups during the debate on this very important issue. He was a perfect fit to help get the job done. Mr. McCaulley is a very talented lawyer who is 100% committed to protecting women and children,” Cella said.

Fidelis also acknowledged the courageous leadership of Rep. Roger Hunt, the sponsor of the 2006 legislation, and Leslee Unruh President of the South Dakota based Alpha Center and the Abstinence Clearinghouse. “Representative Hunt and Leslee Unruh deserve enormous praise for their efforts on this bill,” said Burch.

As Governor Rounds decides whether to sign the bill, accounts of people dropping off checks to support the legal defense of the bill were confirmed. Governor Rounds has also reported that leaders from across the country, including other state governors were pledging support.

“There exists a nationwide women’s movement that is rallying behind the leadership of South Dakota. Fidelis is committed to providing every resource at their disposal to aid the state as they urge Governor Rounds to sign the bill and prepare for a predictable legal challenge from Planned Parenthood,” continued Burch.

Fidelis is a Catholic-based organization working with people of faith across the country to defend and promote the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, and the right to religious liberty by electing pro-life, pro- family and pro-religious liberty candidates, supporting the confirmation of judges, and promoting and defending laws faithful to the Constitution of the United States.