As a result of the Texas abortion ban and the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to hear a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade later this year, national reproductive health, rights and justice organizations are joining with local activists and organizations for a national Day of Action on October 2, just days before the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021-22 session begins.
“The goal of the October 2 Day of Action is to demonstrate clearly and unequivocally that we will not allow abortion to be outlawed in this country and we will fight to protect, defend, and expand access to abortion for everyone, no matter what,” said Laura Goodhue, Executive Director of the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates.
In Tallahassee, advocates who are opposing attacks on bodily autonomy, including representatives from Florida Planned Parenthood chapters (and Generation Action), Tallahassee Community Action Committee, Florida People’s Advocacy Center, Florida Coalition for Trans Liberation, and Dignity Florida will hold a march and rally in opposition to what is being called the greatest threat to bodily autonomy and personal freedom in 50 years — a Florida abortion ban. The march will start at 10:00AM at Railroad Square and go to the State Capitol where there will be a rally at 10:30AM.
“Reproductive health care, including abortion and access to gender-affirming care like hormone replacement therapy, is critical to allowing people to lead free and fulfilling lives with dignity and autonomy,” said Delilah Pierre, Field Director for the Tallahassee Community Action Committee. “People must be able to control their own bodies, lives and futures.”
HB 167, Florida’s copycat of the Texas bill, would ban abortion at six weeks — before many people even know they’re pregnant — and it would mean that most Florida patients simply wouldn’t be able to get an abortion. This bill would be one of the most extreme abortion laws in the country – even more extreme than Texas’ SB 8 – and so clearly unconstitutional that it would likely lead to costly legal action, costing taxpayers more of their hard-earned money. HB 211 is an attack on trans young people who are simply trying to access health care without government interference.
Note: Participants in the march and rally will be advised to follow CDC guidelines to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19, not to engage with counter-protesters and to adhere to new rules under the 2021 Florida bill HB 1.
