On March 6, South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds (R) signed a sweeping abortion ban that allows the procedure only when needed to save the life of the pregnant woman. A Rasmussen Reports survey finds that South Dakota voters are evenly divided on the issue--45% support the ban the governor just signed, and another 45% oppose it.

Interest in the issue is strong--92% of likely voters are following the news about the bill, including 61% who are following it "very closely."

The poll also found that most South Dakota voters (55%) know someone who has had an abortion. Sixty percent (60%) say abortion is morally wrong most of the time.

Forty-four percent (44%) say it is too easy for a woman to get an abortion in South Dakota. Twenty-five percent (25%) say that it's too hard while 19% say that the balance is "about right."

The survey was conducted after the legislation had passed but before it was signed by the Governor.

National survey data is also available on these questions.

Governor Rounds enjoys high Job Approval ratings and is seeking reelection. Democrats in the state have not been able to find a challenger. Rounds issued a statement saying "In the history of the world, the true test of a civilization is how well people treat the most vulnerable and most helpless in their society. The sponsors and supporters of this bill believe that abortion is wrong because unborn children are the most vulnerable and most helpless persons in our society. I agree with them.”

Supporters expect judicial challenges of the ban to reach the U.S. Supreme Court, giving the current slate of justices a chance to reconsider Roe v. Wade.

Rasmussen Reports is an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information.

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