'It's about our safety': South Shore residents rally for abortion rights in Quincy

QUINCY – The voices of South Shore residents rang out across the square in front of Quincy City Hall on Saturday as people of all ages, races and genders demanded change following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

About 200 people gathered for the "We Won't Go Back" rally.

"I know people feel sick. People are angry. We're worried. We're terrified," Quincy resident Melissa Schapero said.

Schapero and other members of the group March Forward Quincy gathered after the high court on Friday ruled to overturn Roe v. Wade, erasing national reproductive rights in place for nearly five decades.

Quincy's rally was one of hundreds held this weekend  in response to the decision. A majority of the Supreme Court justices held that  neither the Constitution nor the nation's history allows abortions.

'New era' or 'dark day'? Americans divided as they react to Supreme Court overturning Roe.

Norma Simons Fitzgerald, a March Forward Quincy steering committee member, said the event  was an opportunity for people to connect.

"People need a place to express their emotions and connect with other people to get support, and I think that helps in the fight we constantly have in our country," Fitzgerald said.

The organizers invited audience members to share their personal stories and hopes for change. Even when the microphone failed, attendees stood before the crowd to share their connection to the abortion rights cause.

'It's just never over': Locals rally for abortion rights in downtown Quincy

'It could happen anywhere': Quincy residents protest Roe v. Wade draft opinion

Julia Ding, of Quincy,  said that during her years of medical training, she helped provide abortions and worked for Planned Parenthood in Providence.

"Doctors are very good at taking care of individual patients and we need to work harder at effecting systemic change," Ding said.

Speakers implored members of the crowd to take action by supporting abortion rights organizations.  There was a table where attendees could grab a protest sign and learn more about organizations.

Liz Speakman, co-founder of the voting advocacy group Quincy Votes, said people can make an impact by  voting for politicians who will represent their interests.

"If we're not voting, we're not having our voices or values being represented locally, statewide and nationally," Speakman said.

Giordyn Lugo, of Quincy, said abortion is a fundamental human right.

"It's about our safety," Lugo said. "It's about our freedom. It's about the rights to our own body and our own future."

March Forward is a local advocacy group in Quincy that stemmed from the national Women's March movement in 2017.

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Patriot Ledger subscription. Here is our latest offer. 

To reach Katherine Canniff, email kcanniff@patriotledger.com.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: 'We're terrified': Residents rally for abortion rights in Quincy