Red Deerians will rally for abortion rights about two weeks after Roe v. Wade was overturned by the United States Supreme Court.
A Support Abortion Rights Solidarity Rally will be held at Red Deer City Hall Park at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
“The constitutional right to abortion that has been in place for 50 years in the United States has been overturned,” the Facebook event page says.
“Now, millions of people are facing the threat of being forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term. Millions of people will experience untold trauma and thousands will face death over a ruling that is incredibly archaic, regressive and harmful.”
On June 24, the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling from 1973 that provided constitutional protections for women seeking abortions.
“We are saddened and disgusted and so many other things that we don’t have words for,” said the event page.
“We are also passionate and driven to continue this fight for all who are affected by this horrendous ruling. We are poised to ensure religious extremism and conservatism doesn’t have the same effect in Canada.
“Together we are strong and powerful. Let us join in solidarity with all uterus-having people and their inalienable right to choose what they do with their own bodies. Let us discuss ways we can support each other. Let us call on our government officials to ensure abortion stays legal and safe in Canada and that expanded access is a priority.”
Last Sunday, People for Reproductive Freedom and Choice held a rally at the Legislature in Edmonton. About 500-600 people came to the event, which included a march through the downtown.
More than 100 people have indicated they will or are interested in going to Saturday’s rally in Red Deer, according to the Facebook event page.
“Lets take this as a chance to gather and make our concerns heard. … Abortion is healthcare. Abortion is a human right.”
Donations of hygienic products will be accepted at the event. The donations list includes shampoo and conditioner, soap bars and body wash, toothpaste and dental floss, hand sanitizer, menstrual products and socks.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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