On this episode, Chris is joined by Grace Melton, author of a recent article titled How Surrogacy Harms Women and Children, published at the National Interest. After Chris recaps the recent history of surrogacy in South Dakota politics, Grace makes the case for why the political and cultural discourse on surrogacy is sadly one-sided and introduces key factors that need to be in the conversation, such as the medical risks to women and children and the gravely troubling legal shift that occurs when society permits the commodification of human beings. Grace also discusses the primal wound experienced by some children of surrogacy, explains why surrogacy is distinctly different from adoption, and discusses trafficking often associated with surrogacy. The conversation ran out of time, but Grace’s article offers several closing thoughts to remember when we’re discussing this topic: (1) As painful as infertility can be, the desires of adults may never supersede the rights of children; (2) listening to the women and children who have suffered deeply because of surrogacy is critically important; and (3) increasing regulation does not resolve the fundamental ethical issues surrounding the commodification of women and children. South Dakotans, it’s important to share your views with your legislators and know where they stand on this topic.
Faith & Politics
F&P Episode 115: South Dakota’s Pivotal Moment on Abortion
South Dakota’s 2023 legislative session marked the first time that state lawmakers had gathered since the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its June 24, 2022 decision in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and restored to the states the ability to set their own public policy on abortion. Host Michael Pauley is joined by Dale Bartscher, the Executive Director of South Dakota Right to Life, for a discussion on how state lawmakers responded to the Dobbs decision, and how South Dakota’s pro-life community is responding to a citizen-initiated amendment that proposes to create an unlimited right to abortion in the state constitution.