What Does S.D. Do About Sovereignty?

A total ban on abortions in South Dakota? Not if the Oglala Sioux President has any say:

“To me, it is now a question of sovereignty,” she said to me last week. “I will personally establish a Planned Parenthood clinic on my own land which is within the boundaries of the Pine Ridge Reservation where the State of South Dakota has absolutely no jurisdiction.”

I wonder why someone this passionate about providing abortions to South Dakota residents has not yet acted. Even before the ban, it isn't like the State was full of abortuaries:

• In 2000, there were 2 abortion providers in South Dakota. This represents a 100% increase from 1996, when there was 1 abortion provider.

• In 2000, 98% of South Dakota counties had no abortion provider. 78% of South Dakota women lived in these counties. In the Midwest census region, where South Dakota is located, 28% of women having abortions traveled at least 50 miles, and 10% traveled more than 100 miles.

• In South Dakota, 1 metropolitan area lacks an abortion provider: Rapid City