Demonstrators rally for reproductive rights
Several states across the nation have been implementing new legislation that further restricts access to safe abortions like banning abortion clinics in Utah or banning abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy in several states - and a recent federal investigation that showed that some hospitals broke the law by not providing emergency abortions in states where they are restricted which resulted in patient harm.
According to the World Health Organization, abortion is a "common health intervention but a lack of access to safe, timely, affordable and respectful abortion care is a critical public health and human rights issue."
The research foundation, Commonwealth Fund, released data that showed states that have restricted access to abortion services had maternal death rates in 2020 that were 62% higher than in states preserving access to abortion services. Between 2018 and 2020, the maternal death rate increased twice as fast in states that now have abortion restrictions.
Johnstown for Choice, a local grassroots organization, staged a rally on Friday in front of the Johnstown Planned Parenthood to emphasize their message that abortion is healthcare.
“When it comes down to it, it is between a patient and a doctor because that’s where it belongs," said Kierson Daily, a member of Johnstown for Choice. "In the clinical setting. It is a medical procedure that many people need. We’re losing people. We’re losing babies, we’re losing women, we’re losing mothers. Children are going without families because this is happening. We do need to hit it home that abortion is nothing more than healthcare. It saves lives. It saves children’s lives that are already born, it saves women’s lives, it saves pregnant people’s lives.”
Rally-goers also told us why they think organizing demonstrations like these is important.
“If people don’t come out and show this then people don’t care and you have to show them that there is a problem," said Anne Paonessa, another member of Johnstown for Choice. "It reminds me of the 60’s. Whoever thought we’d be doing this in 2023.”
For more information about Johnstown for Choice and their upcoming events visit their Facebook page.
Helpful Links:
Planned Parenthood - Johnstown Location
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