In the News

One group behind the fight to build a state-by-state legal framework in support of reproductive rights is the Fairness Project, which has been working with pro-choice activists and local organizations to get measures on the ballots this fall.

"Today, the people of South Dakota have preserved their right to use direct democracy," Kelly Hall, executive director of The Fairness Project.

The Reproductive Freedom for All initiative is being coordinated by the Fairness Project, “the foremost incubator, funder, and convener of progressive ballot initiatives” in the country.

Fairness Project, which supported the activists who opposed the amendment, celebrated the fact that, as the group’s executive director, Kelly Hall, said, “the people of South Dakota have preserved their right to use direct democracy.” But the group warns that the South Dakota battle should be seen as part of an “orchestrated and ongoing attacks.

If the measure is approved, Medicaid expansion is expected to boost insurance access for nearly 43,000 South Dakotans, according to the Fairness Project, a ballot measure advocacy group.

“Today, the people of South Dakota have preserved their right to use direct democracy,” said Kelly Hall, executive director of The Fairness Project, which campaigned against Amendment C and has helped several states expand Medicaid via voter referendums since 2017.

“Everyone understands that this is both a fight for direct democracy, but it’s also a proxy election for the issues that voters will face in the ballot box in November,” said Kelly Hall, the executive director of the Fairness Project.

There’s a path forward in the states: If the Supreme Court does indeed overturn Roe, enshrining reproductive rights in state constitutions via ballot measures will guarantee the protection of reproductive health care for years to come, particularly in states where Republicans control the legislature.