June 28, 2022- In light of the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling that established the constitutional right to abortion, community members in Decatur came together to hold a reproductive rights protest to voice their concerns and frustrations.
In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Norma McCorvey, better known as “Jane Roe” to preserve her anonymity. The 7-2 decision held that a a woman has the right to an abortion and that right was implicit in the right to privacy protected by the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. The decision struck down a Texas law that banned abortions, deeming the law unconstitutional. Thus legalizing abortion across the United States.
On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned this ruling in a 5-4 decision, holding that abortion is no longer a federal constitutional right. States now have the power to regulate abortion, if they choose to.
McCorvey’s daughter, Melissa Mills, has made a public statement since the overturning. Here is what she had to say.
“My mother would just be devastated, just hard to believe now her grandkids aren’t going to have the same rights as we’ve had for 50 years,” Mills said.
Demonstrators at the Decatur protest lined the corner of East Eldorado Street and North Franklin Street, near the Decatur Civic Center.
They chanted as cars passed by, cheered them on. Some demonstrators showed vulnerability as they shared their personal stories of abortion, or of sexual assault, explaining why they feel so strongly about the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Demonstrators made it clear that this reproductive rights rally was just the beginning, and they would continue to make their voices heard.
With the election season in full gear, they stressed the importance of voting. Today was the last day to vote for the primary election. Election results can be found on NowDecatur.com
