Sioux Falls, S.D. ? Opponents of South Dakota’s new ban on nearly all abortions began a petition drive Friday to let voters decide its fate.

The law, among the strictest in the nation, is scheduled to take effect July 1 but will automatically be placed on hold if opponents collect the 16,728 signatures necessary for a voter referendum.

In announcing the drive at a news conference, State Rep. Elaine Roberts said she doesn’t believe lawmakers have represented the will of the people.

The South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families, the coalition of groups opposed to the law, has until June 19 to collect the signatures and get the measure on the November ballot. The secretary of state’s office received initial paperwork signed by a lead opponent.

The new law bans abortion in all cases except when necessary to save a woman’s life, with no exceptions for rape or incest.