Abortion debate heats up in South Dakota

A near-total ban on abortions has been signed into law in South Dakota, a measure the governor called a “direct frontal assault” on the US Supreme Court decision to legalise the procedure 33 years ago.

Supporters and opponents of abortion rights had been gearing up for a showdown even before Governor Mike Rounds added his signature to the bill yesterday in Pierre, and both sides expected a lengthy battle.