In early May 2022, an opinion draft from the Supreme Court was leaked to the American people, signaling that Roe v. Wade may soon be overturned, criminalizing abortions, and eliminating the American woman’s right to an abortion. As a result, millions of women across the country have rallied in order to send a message to representatives and senators that they do not want this overturning to take place.
One such rally was held in Muncie, Indiana, on May 14 at the Delaware County Building. Before the event began, Aimee Robertson-West rushed around trying to tie banners and get everyone organized, before explaining how the women’s march came to be in Muncie.
“I got formally involved with the Women’s March in 2020 leading up to the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett [Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States],” Robertson-West said. “A big group of us rallied and the Women’s March in Muncie began. We wanted to bring in state legislatures and national voices.“
This very much has been thrown to the states, so we need to be able to talk to our Republican legislators, and we need everybody mobilized to communicate to Governor Holcomb to not call a special session [to issue a trigger ban on abortions in Indiana].”
As the rally was about to begin, Robertson-West approached the microphone and announced to the crowd that there may be counter-protestors and asked the group not to engage with them. She began with her opening statements, explaining why the cause is so important to her, and noting the importance of protecting the younger generation.
“We must preserve reproductive rights in Indiana,” Robertson-West said. “We must protect this younger generation of mothers and pregnant people.”
Following Robertson-West at the microphone was a wide range of people, from pastors to politicians. First was Indiana Rep. Sue Errington, who explained what she has done for their cause in office and pledged to do more if reelected.
Pastor Keith Turner expressed his defeat in religious leaders and individuals using their faith to oppress others. Other speakers included U.S. Senate candidate Thomas McDermott Jr., District 5 candidate Jeannine Lee Lake and Dr. Sarah Vitale, Chair of Muncie Resists.
The rally saw the crowd responding to speakers through clapping and shouting, wanting to make their opinions known. Wesley Rice-Snow and her father, Scott brought a sign with them to the rally that read, “I love Jesus / I love Women’s right to choose / Both can be true!”
“We want to support everyone in society to be able to make basic medical decisions that are going to affect their lives, and we think there shouldn’t be government intrusion, especially in a situation where the majority of the populace is strongly on the side of having abortion available as an option for women and their doctors,” Scott said.
While Scott came to support his daughter, Wesley made her reasons for supporting the rally and cause itself clear.
“Women’s right to choose has been an issue that we have both cared about a lot, but the intersectionality of the issue is coming to the foreground, so it is important for trans people like me to show up to these things,” Wesley said. “When we see a world where women are treated with respect we feel more comfortable.”
Contact Brevin Williams with comments via email at bawilliams6@bsu.edu
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