Abortion rights advocates gather in Chillicothe at Ross County Courthouse

Megan Becker, Chillicothe Gazette
·2 min read

CHILLICOTHE — Abortion-rights advocates gathered outside of the Ross County Courthouse Monday night to protest the potential Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade.

Roe vs. Wade was a 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion across the country. This month, a leaked Supreme Court document showed that the court could strike down the landmark decision, according to an initial draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito.

The Rev. Terry Williams, of Orchard Hill United Church of Christ, participated in the protest as part of an organization called Faith Choice Ohio. He said he has counseled over 600 women about abortion and reproduction rights in Chillicothe.

"We have to drive people all the way to Cincinnati, all the way to Columbus [for abortion services], which I do on a monthly basis and I'm tired of it," Williams said. "People should be able to get abortions in their community, in their hometown. And we shouldn't be talking about Roe vs. Wade being overturned."

He handed out flyers reading, "Abortion bans are against my religion," and "God bless abortion providers." The flyer also included information on how to advocate for reproductive rights, like supporting local organizations and donating to abortion funds.

Democrats use abortion rights protest for voter registration

Dona Meyer, with the Ross County Democratic Club, brought voter registration sign-up sheets to help people register to vote.

Dona Meyer hands out posters to protestors gathered at the Ross County courthouse to protest the potential Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Dona Meyer hands out posters to protestors gathered at the Ross County courthouse to protest the potential Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

"If these women want to be able to have autonomy over their own bodies, they have to vote. It is so important that they get out and vote," Meyer said. "That's how we're going to get this stopped."

She said she has three young daughters and is protesting because she wants them to have a "choice in their reproductive life." She said if the decision is overturned, birth control will also be in danger of becoming illegal.

Amy Van Voorhis, an 81-year-old woman, was one of the first protestors to come to the Ross County courthouse to protest the potential Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Amy Van Voorhis, an 81-year-old woman, was one of the first protestors to come to the Ross County courthouse to protest the potential Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Amy Van Voorhis, an 81-year-old woman, said when she was younger, a wealthy woman could get safe abortions in other countries while the less fortunate woman would be forced to have risky at-home abortions. She said taking away healthcare only puts the poor in danger.

"Vote for all women. We gotta get this country straightened out, and only the woman can do it," Van Voorhis said. "This is something that affects women and we need to stand up for our rights."

Megan Becker is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. She can be reached at 740-349-1106, email her at mbecker@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @BeckerReporting

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Abortion rights advocates gather at courthouse in Chillicothe