Unplanned Democracy

SDPB
  • 5.0 (9)
  • POLITICS
  • COMPLETE SERIES

In November 2024, South Dakota voted on abortion. It was the third time the electorate had weighed in on the issue in 20 years. The state has a near total abortion ban. There’s no exception for rape, incest, or severe fetal anomalies—only to save the life of the mother. Some healthcare providers call the law unclear. Backers sought to enshrine abortion rights to the state constitution. Opponents called the law too extreme. "Unplanned Democracy" picks up where the late-Denise Ross’s documentary of the same title left off. It looks at the history of abortion politics in the state since 2004—including the fall of Roe V. Wade and Constitutional Amendment G.

Episodes

  1. EPISODE 1

    Ep. 1: The Trigger

    In June 2022, a near-total abortion ban went into effect in South Dakota after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. In 2006 and 2008, voters rejected abortion bans at the ballot box.

    21 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Ep. 2: The Split

    As abortion rights activists work to place a constitutional amendment on the 2024 November ballot, two historically integral organizations say the proposed language is not enough. The disagreement mirrors how anti-abortion forces were divided on how best to tackle and overturn Roe V. Wade.

    20 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Ep. 3: The Shoe

    Many health care providers say South Dakota’s current abortion ban is unclear and creating a hostile environment to practice women’s health care. Lawmakers and the state seek to clarify the ban. The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to remedy the confusion while also allowing the state to restrict the procedure. Plus, two women who’ve spent decades on opposite sides of the abortion issue weigh in on the current political climate around abortion.

    21 min
  • 3 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

In November 2024, South Dakota voted on abortion. It was the third time the electorate had weighed in on the issue in 20 years. The state has a near total abortion ban. There’s no exception for rape, incest, or severe fetal anomalies—only to save the life of the mother. Some healthcare providers call the law unclear. Backers sought to enshrine abortion rights to the state constitution. Opponents called the law too extreme. "Unplanned Democracy" picks up where the late-Denise Ross’s documentary of the same title left off. It looks at the history of abortion politics in the state since 2004—including the fall of Roe V. Wade and Constitutional Amendment G.

Information

  • Creator
    SDPB
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Unplanned Democracy