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National Right to Life Committee (NRLC)opposed a bill with a "health" exception that leaves it up to the abortionist to decide if the abortion should be performed. A ban that would in fact ban nothing because of the health loop hole.

Where did you find this health loop hole as the reason for the NRLC opposing this law? It's my understanding that the NRLC is opposing the bill because there are criminal consequences and the bill is too strict. The American Life League has never opposed legislation because it was too strict, it opposes legislation that is not strict enough.

I personally don't agree with the "my way or the highway" approach but I can at least respect it. I have often heard that Nellie Gray refused to compromise back in 1973 on a constitutional ammendment that would ban all abortions except in the case of rape or incest. I think she's a loon for turning that deal down, but at least I can understand the logic. And she is of course, correct. Children of rape and incest are no less children of God than are children conceived by a night of passion.

The American Life League is at least consistent. They have been helpful to us numerous times. We have given the ALL and NRLC numerous IDENTICAL opportunities (via email or phone calls) to help us in our local fights and the NRLC have never lifted a finger in response - although they manage to send plenty of pleas for money.

The statement put out by the NRLC on their position on the subject listed the health loop hole as one reasons they opposed the bill. This is also one of the reasons listed on the South Dakota RTL website for opposing the bill. The NRLC has consistently opposed “health” exceptions which leave the abortion decision up to the abortionist. The point was if the ALL opposes rape, incest and life exceptions I would also think that they would oppose a bill with rape, incest, life and health exceptions.

Also the press release by the Thomas More center and all the stories about the situation bashing the NRLC did not list anything about the bill containing a health loop hole. I first learned of the loop hole from the NRLC and the SDRTL. Then I actually ready the bill to make sure. Why “pro-life legal experts” would write and support such a bad bill with such a large loop hole is beyond me. I am also disappointed that so many conservative news sources would write about the situation and not even check the facts first.

I would hope that all pro-life groups in SD would be focusing first and foremost on getting rid of their pro-abortion US Senator Tom Dashle who is responsible for blocking the President’s pro-life judicial nominees. If as pro-lifers we really want to stop abortions, we must first get rid of the pro-abortion majority on the Supreme Court. To do that we must re-elect Bush and defeat Dashle. Pro-lifers should not be attacking each other we should be attacking Tom Dashle and John Kerrey. Hopefully that is something we can agree on.