It's simply not enough to just vote NO...
In November, voters in our state will decide whether or not to legalize abortion. The decision is literally one of life and death. In addition to prayer and fasting, let us call to mind the words of Christ:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself…”
-Mark 12:31
There is no love in leaving someone without the truth.
56% of Catholics believe abortion should be legal in some or all cases
30% of Catholics who attend Mass weekly or more think abortion should be legal in some or all cases
(source March 2022 Pew Research Poll)
You have a responsibility to have conversations with those around you who might be unsure how to vote on the issue or those who are not planning to vote. However, you might be feeling uncertain and ill equipped for those conversations.
On this page, you will find resources to help you learn the truth about the amendment and to understand Church teaching on life issues. You’ll also find helpful conversation starters and clarity on the various tactics used by the opposing side.
Learn about Amendment G
Talking points
MYTH: Amendment G is needed to ensure women can receive proper treatment for miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies.
TRUTH: Women will not lose access to existing medical care. Existing pro-life laws do not undermine this access.
MYTH: Amendment G only allows for first-trimester and certain second-trimester abortions.
TRUTH: Amendment G allows for abortions into the third trimester up to the point of birth
MYTH: Amendment G provides for health and safety standards for women seeking an abortion
TRUTH: Amendment G will eliminate existing laws which provide for basic health and safety standards.
Resources on Amendment G
What does Amendment G really say?
Amendment G paragraph-by-paragraph
In this video excerpt from Faith and Politics episode 110, Rep. Jon Hansen breaks down Amendment G paragraph by paragraph revealing the truly radical nature of the amendment.
Other Resources
- WATCH: Conversations with Bishop DeGrood – Jo Vitek’s Story
- WATCH: The Good Life – Love, Redemption, and Forgiveness with Dr. Patti Giebink
- WATCH: The Good Life – A Full, Flourishing Life with Robin Sertell
- WATCH: Bishop Donald DeGrood – Human Life
- READ: Pro-Life Laws Protect Mom and Baby: Pregnant Women’s Lives are Protected in All States (Lozier Institute)
READ: Wording of the Amendment G - READ: Joint statement by spiritual leaders of the Sioux Falls and Rapid City Diocese on the Certification of the Abortion Amendment
- READ: Bishop Donald DeGrood’s July column in The Bishop’s Bulletin.
Church teaching on life issues
Talking points
MYTH: Allowing the state to regulate abortion impinges on our God-given freedom.
TRUTH: True freedom does not consist in the anarchical “anything goes” mentality. Christ called us to abide by commandments in order that we live to our full potential.
MYTH: Actively supporting abortion is not a sin.
TRUTH: The Church teaches definitely that life begins at the moment of conception and that all life, no matter what age, location, or condition, must be respected.
MYTH: The Church cannot speak about abortion, including priests speaking about Amendment G at the pulpit, because it is a political issue and could jeopardize its tax status.
TRUTH: While the Church cannot endorse a particular political candidate, it CAN pass judgment on political issues, including Amendment G, when fundamental rights or the salvation of souls are in jeopardy. Priests can and should be talking about Amendment G at the pulpit. Tax status laws are not broken when doing this.
MYTH: The Church only cares about preserving the life of the child and does not provide any assistance to mothers after they choose to keep their child.
TRUTH: Through the centuries, the Church has been on the frontlines of helping mother’s and children. Check out the resources at the bottom of the page.
Click here for more talking points on Church teaching
Resources on Church teaching
Videos and podcasts
Politics at the pulpit?
Rep. Jon Hansen discusses why the Church and her priests and the pulpit can and should be talking about abortion and other moral issues.
Post-abortion resources and resources for mothers
Talking points
MYTH: The Church only cares about the baby, not the mother. New and struggling mothers are left to fend for themselves after deciding to have a baby. Orphaned babies are not helped by the Church.
TRUTH: Through the centuries, the Church has offered help and assistance to struggling mothers and orphans. Arguably, there has been no greater force in the world for these causes than the Catholic Church. Check out the resources to see all the ways new mothers, struggling mothers and women who have had an abortion can find refuge in the Church.
Walking with Mom’s in Need
- Walking with Moms in Need is a nationwide, parish-based initiative to increase support for pregnant and parenting mothers in need. It works to ensure that any woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, or parenting in difficult circumstances, can turn to her local Catholic Church and be connected with the resources she needs.
Rachel’s Vineyard
- Rachel’s Vineyard is a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion.
Project Rachel
- Support and Healing after an Abortion.
The Lourdes Center
- Assistance for those dealing with grief, loss and trauma.
USCCB Bridge of Mercy