In March, 2006 South Dakota's legislature passed one of the most restrictive anti-abortion bills in the country. The new law made no exceptions for cases of rape or incest, and few to protect the life of the mother. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Mike Rounds, and a nine month battle followed. It was put to a direct vote in November, 2006 and was voted down, keeping abortion legal in the state of South Dakota. Between March and November South Dakota became a lightning rod in the national debate over abortion as people waited to see if the law would be upheld, voted down or challenged in court.