Freedom of Speech Works Both Ways

The South Dakota 8th Circuit Court of Appeals recently upheld its decision to pass legislation that required doctors to inform women of the links between abortion and suicide.  The only problem here is that there is no reliable scientific linking the two.  A John Hopkins suicide/abortion review found there to be no concrete evidence to support the aggressive legislation. The notorious red state, fueled by seven judges appointed by former President George W. Bush, believes that this decision has been a "victory" for all the women of South Dakota, and nothing could be further from the truth.  How could placing further restrictions on your personal human rights be considered any sort of victory?

Opponents to this bill, namely Planned Parenthood Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota (PPMNS), find this to be a strong violation of Free Speech rights.  If there is no factual and direct link between suicide and abortion, doctors should not be forced to say so.  Our right to freedom of speech doesn't only apply to things we want to say, but applies to things we DON'T want to say.  If a doctor finds fault with this loosely based information, he/she has every right to disregard it completely.  How can we call ourselves truly free from political oppression and restraint if we are being subjugated to personal biases within our public offices.

At the very least there are those who are not afraid to voice their thoughts on this restrictive law.  President and CEO of PPMNS, Sarah Stoesz, believes that "This law, upheld by the court today, is just one of many reprehensible barriers that South Dakota politicians are determined to impose on women seeking safe and legal health care.”

 South Dakota Law Linking Abortion, Suicide Upheld in Court