Samantha Bradsky – October 29
Over 285 faith leaders from diverse religious backgrounds in South Dakota have called on voters to reject Amendment G, a controversial measure that would instate abortion rights through all nine months of pregnancy and override existing laws and regulations concerning abortion. These leaders have released and signed a joint statement, stressing concerns about the moral and ethical impact of the amendment.
“As Christian leaders, we share a responsibility to speak out on Amendment G and warn of the profound danger it poses to women and children in South Dakota,” the statement begins. “We urge South Dakota voters to reject it.”
Despite the strong showing of religious leaders, South Dakota media coverage has been severely lacking, sparking concerns about bias in local reporting.
The Life Defense Fund, represented by spokesperson Caroline Woods, voiced frustration towards the media imbalance. “When 35 clergy members from five denominations announced support for one of the most radical abortion amendments in our country, a lot of South Dakota news outlets were quick to cover the story,” Woods said. “But when over 250 religious leaders representing tens of thousands of South Dakotans expressed opposition to Amendment G, only one print media outlet in the entire state covered the story.” Woods questioned if the local media is allowing a certain political agenda to undermine proper reporting, saying, “South Dakotans deserve unbiased, fair news coverage.”
The recent announcement of the faith leaders against Amendment G came one month after the group of 35 in support of the amendment.
The statement issued by faith leaders criticizes the proposed amendment for its vague and misleading language. “While some have claimed that Amendment G permits abortion only in the first trimester, a close inspection of the text clearly reveals that it would, in fact, allow painful, late-term abortions of viable babies who could survive outside the womb,” the statement reads.
The statement continues to go beyond a mere opposition of Amendment G. It highlights the removal of parental rights to know about their minor daughter’s abortion and the risk to women’s health due to the near elimination of health safety regulations.
The coalition’s message to voters is clear: reject the extreme and dangerous proposal that stands in direct opposition to South Dakota’s protection of the vulnerable and values of life. “As leaders of many different faith communities, we stand united behind the truth that God is the Author of Life, and every life He creates deserves a place at our table,” the faith leaders write. “God does not make ‘mistakes.’” As election day approaches, the unified stance of South Dakota’s religious community grows stronger as evidenced by their numerous statements and actions. This coalition represents Christian leaders from various denominations, all bound by a commitment to uphold what they see as the sanctity of life.
Blessed Sacrament in Rapid City placed “No on G” signs near the entrance of the church.
Pastor Janine Rew-Werling from Hosanna Lutheran Church in Watertown addressed the harm of Amendment G to women and sympathized with those that have undergone an abortion. “As a pastor, my heart is for post-abortive women and their struggles with guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, and even their risk of suicide,” she said. “Amendment G is too extreme, putting women in danger. For any woman having a hard time, you matter! You don’t have to live in agony, and we certainly don’t want other women to face a lifetime of regret and hardship.”
Pastor Ryan Chase of Emmaus Road Church in Sioux Falls emphasized that this measure violates both biblical teachings and basic ethical principles. “I oppose Amendment G because abortion violates God’s moral law, and a constitutional right to abortion would do great harm to the people of South Dakota,” Chase said. His appeal extends to Christians statewide, encouraging them to vote in alignment with their faith and moral values.
Bishop Donald E. DeGrood of the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls referenced Christ’s commandment in Mark 12:31 to “love your neighbor as yourself” as he called on South Dakotans to consider the amendment’s impact on society’s most vulnerable. Bishop DeGrood similarly warned of the harm that Amendment G could bring to unborn children, women, and families, stressing the amendment’s far-reaching consequences.
Other leaders, like Pastor Greg Blanc from Calvary Chapel Community Church in Rapid City, called Amendment G “an indisputable, ‘NO’” from a biblical perspective. “Again, from a biblical perspective, church leaders should influence everyone we can—that we don’t have to choose between being pro-baby and pro-mommy, we can and should do both,” he said. “Giving an innocent child and their mother the respect and protection they need is the South Dakota way.”
As November approaches, the pro-life movement seems to be gaining ground with steady shifts in the polls.
For those who believe in the importance of balanced news, the lack of coverage on this opposition raises significant concerns. In a time when voters need access to the full spectrum of unbiased information to make informed decisions, the selective media attention surrounding Amendment G highlights the importance of grassroots advocacy and public awareness campaigns.
UPDATE: After the lack of coverage was highlighted by the Life Defense Fund, Dakota News Now ran this story in their broadcast.