Rally in Reading calls abortion-rights supporters to stay united

Oct. 2—About 200 people who attended a rally Saturday morning in City Park were implored by speakers, including Pennsylvania's lieutenant governor and second lady, to channel their anger into political action over attempts by Republican lawmakers to infringe on a woman's right to an abortion.

The event was hosted by the Berks County Democratic Committee, which had a voter-registration table set up and was handing out pamphlets with instructions for how to contact their elected representatives.

Guest speakers included Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and his wife, Gisele, state Reps. Manny Guzman and Brian Sims, state Sens. Katie Muth and Judy Schwank.

The speakers criticized the recent Texas law restricting abortions, saying it was the biggest setback since the landmark Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision made abortion rights legal.

They also said they had little doubt the Pennsylvania's Republican-controlled House and Senate would pass similar legislation, though Gov. Tom Wolf would veto it.

"I'm the last defense of abortion rights in Pennsylvania should, God-forbid, something happen to Gov. Wolf," Fetterman said. "Make no mistake, they would salivate at the prospect of turning Pennsylvania into the next Texas."

Fetterman, 51, is running for U.S. Senate and the seat currently occupied by Pat Toomey.