Indian Leader Proposes Opening Abortion Clinic
The leader of the Oglala Sioux Tribe is proposing to establish an abortion clinic on an Indian reservation -- within the reach of women who seek the service, but outside the reach of a new state law that imposes a ban on nearly all abortions.
Tribal President Cecelia Fire Thunder, a former nurse, said it was the prohibition on abortions in cases of rape that drew her to speak out. Her tribe is based on the Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota.
State Atty. Gen. Larry Long said tribes are not required to abide by many state laws, so a reservation clinic could operate lawfully.
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