Large Crowd Attends Abortion Rights Rally at the WV State Capitol Saturday

July 10, 2022

Mountaineer News

Women's Health

CHARLESTON, WV - Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, allowing states to ban abortions, abortion has become illegal in West Virginia, along with other states.

Yesterday, standing in the rain, hundreds of people gathered at the State Capitol to rally for abortion rights. Organizers and rally goers not only shared personal stories, but resources as well.

Attendees gathered information on voter registration and contacts of government representatives. Haley Gibson works with WV Free and encouraged others to voice their concerns.

"You must call them. You must email them, and you must write them letters," Gibson advised.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order Friday, protecting some abortion rights such as access to medical abortion, contraception and rights to information and privacy.

Planned Parenthood South Atlantic director of public affairs Alisa Clements said it's a step in the right direction.

"It is encouraging to us as a healthcare provider, first and foremost, that we have an administration at the federal level who is willing to stand up for abortion access, and for the people who need health care," Clements said. "Because abortion is health care."

Activists such as Nancy Tyler plan to continue speaking up for abortion rights.

"It's just ridiculous. We can't go backwards," Tyler said. "It's not right for women. It's just not right. We cannot become second class citizens again. It's just wrong."

Tyler said she hopes state lawmakers listen up, with a special session about two weeks away.