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NARRATION
Over the years South Dakota's legislature has considered a long list of bills, which would have restricted abortion. But last week the state passed its most sweeping abortion ban so far. The bill makes it a crime for doctors to perform an abortion unless necessary to save the woman's life. The legislators made no exception in cases of rape or incest.
UNDERBERG
"They really outdid themselves this year."
NARRATION
That is Thelma Underberg who works for the abortion rights group NARAL in South Dakota. She says state lawmakers spend too much time trying to control women's lives.
UNDERBERG
"I believe that the majority of people are totally outraged that we have a legislator that would even consider such a thing, and I think that too many people have been complacent, not understanding the kind of terrible legislators we have been electing in this state."
NARRATION
Now that the balance of the Supreme Court has shifted, some anti-abortion activists believe that the court may be more willing than ever to overturn Roe v. Wade. The South Dakota ban could be the test that allows them to do it.
Anti-abortion activist Leslee Unruh of Sioux Falls supports the ban. She says this is a historical moment for her movement.
UNRUH
"And so we are certain that we are going to be able to overturn Roe v. Wade. We're very confident."
NARRATION
Unruh is the founder of the National Abstinence Clearinghouse, an organization devoted to teaching abstinence to teenagers. Years ago she had an abortion. And she says that the South Dakota ban came about because she and other women were harmed by abortion.
UNRUH
"It's definitely an improvement for women, it is a huge impact when a woman decides to end the life of her child."
NARRATION
South Dakota, which has fewer than 800,000 residents, has just ONE abortion clinic. It performs the procedure about 800 times a year. Planned Parenthood, which runs the clinic, has said it will sue over the bill.
Underberg says the clinic will stay open, no matter what.
UNDERBERG
"It provides a very needed basic reproductive service to the women in this state."
NARRATION
The measure, which sailed through the state House and Senate, is awaiting Republican Governor Mike Rounds' signature. He has said he is inclined to sign it.
Tamara Rosenberg Columbia Radio News