Visalia abortion-rights supporters protest Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade
Valley residents rallied at Memorial Park Saturday to protest the recent Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
More than 130 women and men, boys and girls, lined the sidewalk holding signs and wearing shirts adorning words of disapproval during the Bans Off Our Bodies protest.
Julie Kelly, Pastor at St. James Lutheran Church in Hanford, wore a rainbow skirt paired with a black tee that read "#PISSEDOFFPASTOR" on it.
"We recognize that this is a deep and complicated issue when we face abortion," Kelly said. "Because of that, we recognize that a woman needs to be able to make the choice for herself."
She spoke to protestors, welcoming them to her upcoming Sunday sermon, regardless of their religious beliefs.
"There is deep sorrow and we need that time to lament," Kelly said. "We can be angry for hours, but in the end, we know that there's sadness underneath, and there needs to be a place for that."
Some women and girls took the opportunity to share their experiences with abortion, sexual assault, healthcare and more.
"We all kind of predicted this was going to happen," Natalie Hansen said. "Today is kind of about trying to get some of that power back... trying not to feel defeated, realizing that, you know, we need to keep pushing forward."
Hansen carried a sign with the names of the justices that voted to overturn the decision. She believes lifetime appointments without an election are a part of the problem.
"It's why a lot of us were so crushed and disappointed," she explained. Hansen was joined by her friend Alison Clark Terry on Saturday.
She doesn’t have children nor does she plan on having children.
“I don't think it would ever impact me, but that doesn't matter though,” Clark Terry said. “How dare you, or anyone else, tell someone else what they can or cannot do with their body, their life, their choices, their family, their finances. It's not up to you. So, stop.”
Bans Off Our Bodies is a national campaign led by Planned Parenthood and other abortion rights supporters. Hundreds of Ban Off Our Bodies protests have been held throughout the nation over the last week, with more scheduled for the weekend.
Lauren Jennings covers education and news for the Visalia Times-Delta/Tulare Advance-Register. Follow her on Twitter @lolojennings. Get alerts and keep up on all things Tulare County for as little as $1 a month. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: 'Bans Off Our Bodies' protest takes center stage in Visalia
