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In response to last month’s South Dakota near-total abortion ban, Oglala Sioux Tribe President Cecelia Fire Thunder aims to open a Planned Parenthood clinic on tribal land, arguing that the reservation’s sovereignty overrides state law.
There are extenuating circumstances to be resolved first. The South Dakotan law is going to be challenged, probably all the way to the Supreme Court (which, after all, was the very point why it was passed, overriding any regional imperatives). And the state Attorney General argues that it would be a criminal act for non-tribal members to avail of the services of any such facility.
First it was extra-legalized gambling, now abortion. What iffy propositions will the Indians dip into next? Bear in mind, I’m not judging at all — I’m cool with gambling and support abortion rights. Just saying, the tribes are in for quite a bit of collateral PR damage if this goes through.
So it’s ok for non-tribal members to gamble on reservations but not receive medical care if that’s what they were offering? Doesn’t seem right, hypocritical even.
Go Cecelia Fire Thunder! I like the moxy of it even if it’s being done for $$ reasons.
Comment by Tara — 03/24/2006 @ 10:44:12 PM
The out-clause is that gambling is considered passable because it’s a victimless crime, while abortion isn’t. (Plenty of debate on both counts, I know.)
Comment by CT — 03/26/2006 @ 07:35:44 PM
I don’t think Indians should worry about a little more PR damage; people are already confused enough about them that it’s not going to make much difference. Actually, a fight over this might educate people *more* about Indian issues.
Comment by Thud — 03/27/2006 @ 07:03:47 AM