A Sioux Falls resident votes in the city and school board election at Southern Hills United Methodist Church on April 9, 2024. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)
A coalition of Christian clergy members announced support Tuesday for a ballot measure that would establish the right to an abortion in the South Dakota constitution.
The 35 faith leaders are from five Christian denominations — the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church USA, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Episcopal Church and the United Church of Christ.
“Our pastoral care experiences have taught us that complicated health care decisions are best left to the patient in consultation with families and health care providers, and as part of faith conversations,” the group wrote. “This should happen without interference from politicians or the courts.”
Abortion ballot measure challenge on course for late September trial
On the other side of the debate, the South Dakota Catholic Conference has taken a stance against the ballot measure and is encouraging Catholics to vote no.