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Message Memo

A Defining Moment From South Dakota

Abortion Ban Presents Opportunity to Reframe the Debate

Author: Rachel Laser, Director of the Culture Project
In The Culture Program

Abstract

The South Dakota ban provides a unique opportunity for progressives to redefine themselves and conservatives on abortion.

Description

The South Dakota ban provides a unique opportunity for progressives to redefine themselves and conservatives on abortion in a way that wins the battle of reasonableness among the vast majority of Americans — the so-called “abortion grays.” “Abortion grays” believe that abortion should neither always be legal nor always be illegal and make up 63% of the electorate.

We believe progressives must use this opportunity to define themselves as seeking to reduce the number of abortions in America while preserving individual liberties. Thus, progressives support the basic right to choose while also setting a goal of reducing the prevalence of abortion in America. We suggest progressives define conservatives as seeking to criminalize abortion and putting people in prison. Thus, conservatives support a goal of reducing abortion through criminalization and incarceration — which is what the South Dakota bill accomplishes, and what bills in other states intend to do.

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