'Time for women to step up:' Those unhappy with potential Roe reversal line Minnesota Ave.

Nicole Ki, Sioux Falls Argus Leader
·1 min read
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People at the Bans Off Our Bodies protest at Van Eps Park in downtown Sioux Falls on Saturday, May 14, 2022.
People at the Bans Off Our Bodies protest at Van Eps Park in downtown Sioux Falls on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

More than 100 protestors from as far away as Mitchell rallied at Van Eps Park Saturday in downtown Sioux Falls against the likely reversal of Roe v. Wade.

The peaceful protest was happening at the same time as national Bans Off Our Bodies demonstrations across the country, in lieu of a leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft that indicated the court could overturn the landmark 1973 decision that legalized abortion.

More: Here's how South Dakota's abortion stance could lead the way for a post-Roe America

Protestors lined a block on Minnesota Avenue between Sixth and Seventh streets, chanting "My Body, My Choice," as vehicle passed by honking in support.

Some of the protestors, like Paula Deckert, 54, and Julie Schutte, 58, traveled from Mitchell. Sioux Falls was the closest protest they could find.

People hold signs at the Bans Off Our Bodies protest at Van Eps Park in downtown Sioux Falls on Saturday, May 14, 2022. The nationwide event was held to protest the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade.
People hold signs at the Bans Off Our Bodies protest at Van Eps Park in downtown Sioux Falls on Saturday, May 14, 2022. The nationwide event was held to protest the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade.

"It's time for women to step up and take a stance against these issues," said Deckert. "We've gone back several decades, and it's very sad for women."

Jenna Bryant and Jordyn Trujillo, both 18, organized the protest, the first one they've ever done, after seeing there wasn't any local traction with abortion rights.

More: Planned Parenthood expects abortion to become illegal in South Dakota, North Dakota, officials say

The protest went on for two hours with loud cheers from the the mostly young crowd. Attendees heard speeches from Bryant and Jett Jonelis, advocacy manager with the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota.

"Whatever happens when the court actually issues this decision, we must never give up," Jonelis said.

Jonelis encouraged protestors to contact elected representatives, donate to abortion funds like the Justice Empowerment Network and Planned Parenthood and tell family members why they support abortion to make their voices heard on abortion rights.

Email human rights reporter Nicole Ki at nki@argusleader.com or follow on Twitter at @_nicoleki.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Protestors rally in Sioux Falls in support of abortion access