Smart Politics will be blogging live tonight at a program on abortion policy held from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in Cowles Auditorium at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.

From the Humphrey press release:

"The South Dakota legislature and governor enacted in 2006 the nation's strictest restrictions on the right to choose abortion. In the past, the pro-choice movement turned to the courts. In South Dakota, Planned Parenthood under the direction of its regional director, Sarah Stoesz, adopted an electoral strategy of putting the issue on the 2006 ballot where it was defeated. Does the electoral strategy offer pro-choice advocates a promising new option as courts have become more conservative? Or, as some pro-choice advocates contend, does it cede too much ground and open the door to more conservative initiatives? Are there broader implications of the South Dakota electoral strategy for bridging divisive issues?

The meaning and significance of the South Dakota battle over abortion will be discussed by Sarah Stoesz, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Steve Sviggum, Commissioner of Industry and Labor and long time pro-life advocate. Lori Sturdevant with the Star Tribune will moderate."