The White Earth Band of Ojibwe in Minnesota is seeking jurisdiction in a child welfare case involving a tribal member whose blood alcohol concentration was nearly five times the legal limit at the time of birth.

Rita Kay Taylor, 26, gave birth to a boy on December 24. Emmanuel, now 11 months old, was born with a cleft palate and other health problems and shows signs of developmental disabilities. He also had barbiturates in his blood.

Emmanuel has since been placed with foster parents who want to adopt him. A county court terminated Taylor's parental rights on Wednesday but the judge said she will consider a request by the tribe to transfer the case to tribal court.

Get the Story:
Woman who was drunk while pregnant loses parental rights (The Fargo Forum 9/15)
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Relevant Links:
National Indian Child Welfare Association - http://www.nicwa.org

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