Story: South Dakota Passes Most Restrictive Abortion Law, 03/08/06
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june06/abortion_3-08.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What significant event occurred this week in regards to abortion?

2. Why did South Dakota lawmakers decide to create this abortion legislation now?

3. When is the new law expected to take effect? What might impact that?

4. What restrictions exist in the current South Dakota abortion laws?

5. Why don't all abortion opponents support South Dakota's new law?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. According to the article, not all abortion opponents agree with the tactics being used to limit abortions in South Dakota. Explain their reasoning. Do you agree or disagree with them? Why or why not?

2. Governor Mike Rounds wrote in a statement a quote about society. Do you agree with his quote? Why or why not? Explain your answer. Are there other issues to which his reasoning could apply?

"In the history of the world, the true test of a civilization is how well people treat the most vulnerable and most helpless in their society. The sponsors and supporters of this bill believe that abortion is wrong because unborn children are the most vulnerable and most helpless in our society. I agree with them."

3. Do you think this law will cause the Supreme Court to reconsider Roe vs. Wade? How do you think it will rule? As a class, create a few scenarios and then vote on the one you think will come true.

Write a 300-500 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.