After I find the father of my future children (or decide to adopt) and welcome a baby girl into my life, she shall be named Cecilia Fire Thunder. Not only it is the coolest name ever but, DAMN! This woman is living testament to the fire and thunder of her name.

[via Cecilia Fire Thunder, Ogala Sioux President vows to build Planned Parenthood Abortion Clinic on own land | BlogSheroes [1]]:

"When Governor Mike Rounds signed HB 1215 into law it effectively banned all abortions in the state with the exception that it did allow saving the mother's life. There were, however, no exceptions for victims of rape or incest. His actions, and the comments of State Senators like Bill Napoli of Rapid City, SD, set of a maelstrom of protests within the state.

Napoli suggested that if it was a case of "simple rape," there should be no thoughts of ending a pregnancy. Letters by the hundreds appeared in local newspapers, mostly written by women, challenging Napoli's description of rape as "simple." He has yet to explain satisfactorily what he meant by "simple rape."

The President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation, Cecilia Fire Thunder, was incensed. A former nurse and healthcare giver she was very angry that a state body made up mostly of white males, would make such a stupid law against women.

"To me, it is now a question of sovereignty," she said to me 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."

Strong words from a very strong lady. I hope Ms. Fire Thunder challenges Gov. Rounds and the state legislators on this law that is an affront to all independent women."

Needless to say, this is a golden opportunity for feminist and reproductive rights organizations. Let's empower all people's nations with clinics where the white man's law has no jurisdiction.

Amanda over at Pandagon has the address to send any and all donations :

[via Information on supporting the Pine Ridge Reservation at Pandagon [2]]:

Oglala Sioux Tribe
ATTN: President Fire Thunder
P. O. Box 2070
Pine Ridge, SD 57770

OR: and this may be preferred, due to mail volume:

ATTN: PRESIDENT FIRE THUNDER
PO BOX 990

And for more information about the reservation, here's the Friends of Pine Ridge [3] website.

Madam President, I am more than happy to come in, pick up a hammer and join the barn raising.

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