Responding to South Dakota's statewide abortion ban, the Oglala Lakhota president on the Pine Ridge reservation — a former nurse — says she'll provide access to sovereign tribal land for clinics. Snip:
"To me, it is now a question of sovereignty," [Cecilia Fire Thunder] said to [Lakhota Times editor Tim Giago] 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."
Link to Native Times article (subscription required), or read excerpt on indybay website here. (Thanks, drogheda, Ryan and others!)
Reader comment: For those wishing to donate cash for the project, or extend messages of support, BoingBoing reader Lampbane says, " Contact info for president Fire Thunder can be found here."
Reader comment: A.V. says,
Careful with the Sioux abortion clinic donations. Although it's a great idea for the clinic, be careful about donations which may not actually go towards the desired destination…. definitely read that post before blindly sending money: Link.
Reader comment: Adam says,
The Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota posted this reponse on their site. Read it before making any donations. They thank the OGLALA SIOUX but indicate that they have no plans to open a clinic on the reservation. Of course, Planned Parenthood is a worthy charity and accepts donations through their official site. Link
