Indian women in South Dakota are on both sides of the emotional and highly charged campaign over the state's abortion law.
Cecelia Fire Thunder and two of her supporters held a press conference on Friday to urge voters to reject the abortion ban. Fire Thunder, who was ousted as president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe for speaking against the law, said Christianity has tainted traditional tribal values.
At the same time, another group of Indian women held a demonstration to support the law. "Our sign says 'Children are Sacred' and they are," said Bonnie Walker, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, The Rapid City Journal reported.
The law bans abortions in all cases except to save a woman's life. No exceptions are allowed for rape, incest or other health and safety issues.
The law was put on the books by the Legislature but opponents gathered enough signatures to put it on the ballot on Tuesday. A Sioux Falls Argus Leader poll found 52 percent don't want the law enacted.
Get the Story:Dueling conferences show split (The Rapid City Journal 11/4) Relevant Links:
Oglala Sioux Tribe - http://www.lakotamall.com/oglalasiouxtribe Related Stories:
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