Samantha Bradsky – October 30
As we approach November 5 and a critical election, South Dakotans face a threat to our way of life, values and independence. Out-of-state politicians and activists are funneling in hundreds of thousands of dollars to force Amendment G, an extreme abortion measure, into our state constitution. Most notably among the out-of-state sources includes Illinois Governor Pritzker (Dem.) who contributed over half a million dollars to the cause of allowing for abortion through all nine months in South Dakota.
Governor Pritzker and Dakotans for Health (D4H) are trying to rewrite South Dakota’s constitution, but this isn’t a grassroots movement. In fact, D4H, the organization that put Amendment G on the ballot, has raised 84.1% of its funds from out-of-state donors. These are people and organizations who have little to no connection to our communities and values, yet they’re attempting to influence South Dakota law. Meanwhile, the Life Defense Fund (LDF) and the No on G campaign have raised 89.3% of their funds from local South Dakotans.
To put the disparity further into perspective, South Dakota sources have raised a total of $1,873,897 for both sides in the Amendment G campaign. Only 7% of South Dakota-raised funds for this campaign have gone to support Amendment G, compared to a whopping 93% backing LDF’s fight against it. It’s obvious where our state stands.
South Dakota is sending a clear message: the decision on Amendment G should rest with those who call South Dakota home.
“We are outraising them 12 to 1 with in-state funds. South Dakotans are speaking through their donations: they do not want Extreme Amendment G.” Caroline Woods, spokesperson for LDF, said. “And to the extreme Illinois Gov. Pritzker, who dumped over half a million dollars to put abortion in our South Dakota Constitution, take D4H’s own advice and mind your own business.”
Woods emphasized that South Dakota’s values should not be influenced by the views of states like Illinois, New York, or California.
Taking Governor Pritzker’s Illinois as an example, the state has become an abortion access hub since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Those seeking an abortion can get one without a waiting period—no ultrasound necessary, no parental consent needed for minors. Restrictions are minimal. Abortion is legal for any reason until “fetal viability,” or around 24 to 26 weeks of pregnancy.
This is the single out-of-state source that has contributed the most funding to instating a new abortion law through Amendment G in South Dakota.
Now is the time to act. We need every South Dakotan who values life, family, and our local voice to stand up against this onslaught. Support the Life Defense Fund, vote NO on Amendment G, and tell Governor Pritzker and other out-of-state sources to mind their own business. Every vote counts. Every donation counts. We can’t let outsiders with deep pockets buy our state’s values.
If you’re committed to preserving South Dakota’s future, here’s how you can help:
- Vote NO on Amendment G this November. Your vote is the strongest way to keep South Dakota’s values intact.
- Donate to the Life Defense Fund. The fight against Amendment G is locally funded, and every dollar raised in-state is a stand for South Dakota’s independence.
- Spread the Word. Talk to your neighbors, friends, and family. Share why you’re voting NO and encourage others to do the same.
Let’s show Pritzker, D4H, and every out-of-state donor trying to shape South Dakota in their image that we won’t be bought. South Dakota belongs to South Dakotans. Vote NO on Amendment G to protect our state, our values, and our future.
*Financial figures above are based on pre-general disclosure reports filed on Oct. 21, 2024, plus supplemental reports. Supplemental reports do not include contributions less than $500.*
