From Virginians for Reproductive Freedom:
Hundreds of Virginians March in Support of Reproductive Freedom
RICHMOND, Va | Today, hundreds of Virginians from across the Commonwealth gathered in Richmond to rally for reproductive freedom. The rally marked not only the official kickoff of the campaign to amend the state constitution, but also a historic moment in Virginia’s history.
Virginia is the last state in the South without an abortion ban in effect since Roe was overturned. But right now, Virginia’s Constitution does not explicitly guarantee the freedom to make decisions about reproductive healthcare. This means politicians could try to restrict or ban certain care.
This November, voters will enshrine the Reproductive Freedom Amendment in our constitution to protect the freedom of Virginians to make reproductive health care decisions about prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, abortion, miscarriage management, and fertility care, without fear of government interference or criminal punishment.
“People, not politicians, should make their own personal health care decisions,” said Han Jones, Campaign Manager with Virginians for Reproductive Freedom. “We know how much Virginians support reproductive freedom– all that is next is for us to show up and make it clear that we will not be stripped of our rights.”
Video link: https://youtu.be/44x68hAWbss
Supporters gathered in Virginia’s capital to hear from medical professionals, activists, and four incredible women who shared their personal stories about reproductive healthcare. The event ended with a powerful march that spanned several city blocks of Broad Street.
“Across the Commonwealth, healthcare providers are coming together because we see what’s at stake,” said Dr. Amy Nelson, an OB-GYN in Virginia. “We know that protecting the freedom to make reproductive healthcare decisions is essential to providing safe, high-quality care.”
“In an era before Roe, my grandmother helped support women who felt they had nowhere to turn but to botched procedures done behind alleyways. In an era before Roe, my grandmother marched to legalize abortion across the United States of America,” said 18-year old activist Elijah Lee. “In an era before Roe, my grandmother understood that inherent to the ideas of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness was the fundamental right to choice, privacy, and freedom.
“Stripping away our freedom and access to basic reproductive care is nothing short of violence. And violence thrives on our silence,” said Celeste Garrett when speaking to the crowd about her reason for sharing her reproductive care experiences.
“I’ve lived in Virginia for the past five years and I’m proud to see this state as a stronghold for abortion and reproductive freedom in the South,” said Petronella Holmes, a speaker at the rally. “We must protect this at all costs, and that’s why we are all here today.”
“Virginians deserve autonomy. Virginians deserve information. Virginians deserve someone in the room they can trust to stand by them no matter what they’re going through,” said Krystal Pinckney, a Birth and Postpartum Doula, Certified Yoga Therapist, and Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher. “It’s about time we put it in writing.”
“I am left with gratitude: For Barry, who remained a constant source of humor, support and reassurance; For our beautiful son; And for the privilege of having IVF as an option for us,” said Lee Anne Boyd, a speaker at the rally. “I also feel a sense of urgency. Too many families don’t have access to this care, for any number of reasons. And now, attacks on reproductive freedom threaten to put essential care, like fertility care, even further out of reach or completely off the table.”
“Every individual is unique. Everyone’s reproductive challenges are different. But one thing we all have in common is that our personal healthcare decisions should be made in exam rooms with our doctors – not in hearing rooms with politicians,” said Allyson Morgan, a speaker at the rally.
Video courtesy of Indivisible Virginia:
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Virginians for Reproductive Freedom is a coalition of Virginia families, doctors, nurses, and advocacy organizations, working to ensure Virginians can make reproductive health decisions free from government interference. The ballot measure will amend the Virginia state constitution to protect Virginians’ freedom to make personal decisions about prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, abortion, miscarriage management, and fertility care, protect doctors, nurses and patients from being punished for these decisions, and allow limits on abortion during the third trimester except when the patient’s health is at risk or the pregnancy cannot survive.
ACLU of Virginia
A Woman’s Choice Inc.
All* Above All
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Birth in Color
Catholics for Choice
Committee to Protect Health Care
Equality Virginia
Feminist Generation
Freedom Virginia
Hamkae Center
Jews United for Justice
Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice Virginia
League of Women Voters of Virginia
National Council of Jewish Women
National Women’s Political Caucus of Virginia
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia
Progress Virginia
Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism
REPRO Rising Virginia
Reproductive Freedom for All
Reproductive Health Access Project (RHAP)
Whole Woman’s Health Alliance
