A bad week for abortion rights

I have to admit I feel incredibly chilled by recent legislative and judicial developments:

Today the Supreme Court ruled (8-0) that RICO statutes could not be used against violent anti-abortion protestors, because no extortion or racketeering was involved. It's not an unreasonable ruling, but it's still a defeat.

More frightening is that last week, South Dakota's state legislature voted to ban access to virtually all abortions in the state, with no exceptions for rape or incest. It's unlikely that the law will withstand challenge (assuming the governor signs it), but it's a very aggressive move in an increasingly hostile political climate.

My reaction is that young women better stop taking their choices for granted, and start fighting, writing and voting to protect their rights.