Protesters came together from noon to 1 p.m. in downtown Eugene on Friday in response to the recent ruling by the Supreme Court that upheld a ban on partial birth abortions. The crowd of women and a handful of men showed up to offer their
opinion to the community.
The rally took place in front of the Federal Building on 7th Avenue and Pearl Street.
“A woman’s right to choose is just as important as women’s right to vote,” said Oliver Thorton as he held up a handmade sign stating “We won’t stand for this abortion ban!”
The protesters held signs and chanted to express their opinions on reproductive rights. One couple brought their children to make
a statement.
Throughout the demonstration people in cars waved, honked or yelled.
“Don’t kill your babies,” one man said as he drove by.
Yet, the protesters were not discouraged by criticism.
The group remained enthusiastic and energetic even though many drivers ignored the protest. Other passersby thanked the protesters for their efforts, which resulted in cheering and clapping.
Rose Kelsch from Planned Parenthood helped organize the event. She provided signs and bright, pink shirts that said “Stand Up for Choice.”
“We organize a demonstration when there is upheaval in the community,” Kelsch said. “This issue has caused
outrage all across the nation.”
The Network for Reproductive Options and Students for Choice also came together for the event to express their
frustration over this issue.
Students for Choice, a campus organization, made a statement by wearing shirts with “Reproductive Rights: Don’t Fuck With Them, Don’t Fuck Without Them!” written on the back.
When it was all over Kelsch called the event an
overall success.
“We can’t change the Supreme Court’s decision,” Kelsch said. “We can express how we feel.”