A ballot initiative was introduced that would add a new section to Article VI of the South Dakota Constitution, which is the state’s Bill of Rights. The initiative would allow for abortion through all nine months of pregnancy by vaguely laying out by trimester framework how abortion might be regulated.
In May 2024, abortion advocates submitted the signatures for placing the proposed amendment on the ballot. The Secretary of State certified that the necessary number had been attained and that Amendment G could appear on the November ballot. This declaration by the Secretary of State started a 30-day window allowing legal challenges to be brought against the measure.
During that 30-day window there were legal challenges on the signature gathering process, but the circuit court did not take it up again. The amendment language was certified, which put Amendment G on the November ballot.
The South Dakota Catholic Conference (SDCC) has issued several resources to help citizens understand the dramatic changes that will take place if this amendment is passed. According to the SDCC website: “We have a responsibility, as a community that cherishes all human life, to become informed on this proposal that threatens the lives of preborn children, and to educate our fellow citizens.”
