Potential overturn of Roe v. Wade drives Kitsap residents to rally

Being a social worker for years, Alex Siefert, 36, said she has helped many who were victims of domestic violence and became pregnant because the perpetrator didn't allow them access to birth control and then didn't allow them access to an abortion after an unwanted pregnancy.

"I am here because I am angry that we are fighting this fight, still and again," said Siefert, who held a cardboard sign in her hand while attending a rally for reproductive rights outside the Norm Dicks Government Building in Bremerton on Friday.

Seifert said everyone should have the choice about how their life goes, and she joined more than 100 people on Friday in support of abortion access at a rally hosted by State Sen. Emily Randall, D-Bremerton.

"It's more important than ever that we do everything we can to strengthen reproductive rights and access to abortion in this Washington," Randall said.

Those on both sides of the abortion issue have been energized since Monday, when a draft U.S. Supreme Court decision published by Politico was leaked, suggesting that the court is considering a decision that would overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which established a constitutional right to abortion.

While residents and politicians supporting access to abortion took to the steps of the Norm Dicks Government Center on Friday, those against abortion have also taken to the streets to show their support for overturning Roe v. Wade.

Check out: Explosive leaked draft in abortion case reveals Supreme Court on verge of overturning Roe

'Universal rights should not be threatened'

If the leaked draft becomes an accepted decision, Randall said she and her Democratic colleagues in the Legislature are prepared to preserve access to abortion in the state and ensure that people in Texas, Idaho and other states in the country that ban abortion can access it here, she said.

"Just because our right to abortion in this state is law doesn't mean that we can stop fighting," Randall said.

Joining Randall in expressing their support to access to abortion were elected Bremerton officials: Mayor Greg Wheeler and Bremerton City Council members Jennifer Chamberlin, Denise Frey, Anna Mockler and Jeff Coughlin.

Wheeler said he will work with representatives in Washington, D.C., as well as in the city and state to ensure those who may be denied access to abortion across the country can access it in Washington state.

"Universal rights should not be threatened," Wheeler said.

Frey told the audience about her experience getting an abortion while in an "abusive" relationship. She held a pink sign that said “Together we fight for all.”

"I had to have an abortion to keep that child from being abused in that home, and that was a serious choice that I made," Frey said. "And I do not regret it."

Chamberlin said it was OK to "stay angry. Stay mad." But she said it was important to remember self-care.

"That's OK, but don't let it turn into hate," she said.

Mockler encouraged people to take action.

"We have to get out there. We have to speak up to our lawmakers. We have to speak up for families. Just keep speaking up," Mockler said.

Coughlin added: "I trust women to make their own choices."

Standing in the crowd, Evelyn Ulrich, a sophomore at Bremerton High School, and her sister Audrey Lugo held colorful signs that said "My body belongs to me!" and "Reasons people get abortions. None of your business." to protest against the potential overturn of Roe v. Wade.

"I'm kind of speechless because that is a human right," Ulrich said. "There are so many reasons that people need abortions."

Paul Dutky, 69, of Bremerton, brought an American flag to the scene to show his support for abortion rights as a "patriot."

"This is not partisan. These are just basic human rights," Dutky said. "Our desires and our thoughts are as patriotic as anybody else is."

'Stand for life'

Kareena English, and her sons, Jacob Gavanage, 9, and Joshua English, 7, who live in Port Orchard, stood on the sidewalk of Bethel and Lund avenues in Port Orchard to express their anti-abortion views Thursday afternoon.

It was raining when the English family held their signs, "Choose Life," and "I stand for life," at the intersection, but the weather didn't stop them, English said.

English said she hosted the demonstration to speak up for those she said cannot speak for themselves and she cited the Bible when it came to expressing her views.

“Many of my peers choose life, so I want our voices to be heard among the noise resulting from the leak at the U.S. Supreme Court,” English said.

English was considering hosting more rallies in a few weeks, she said after the event.

In response to the potential overturn of Roe v. Wade, State Rep. Jesse Young, a R-Gig Harbor, said the potential overturn of the case affirms that all life matters.

"Everyone has long known the Republican Party is a pro-life party. The Supreme Court's potential decision will not change this," Young said.

"What it does is affirm that all life is special, important, and should be cherished and protected. That is why we will continue to focus on public safety and supporting our first responders," Young said.

Reach breaking news reporter Peiyu Lin at pei-yu.lin@kitsapsun.com or on Twitter @peiyulintw.

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This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Potential overturn of Roe v. Wade drives Kitsap residents on the street