Pinellas Now holds annual rally in support of Roe v. Wade

Protesters gathered in downtown St. Petersburg on Wednesday despite chilly temperatures to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of the overturned Roe v. Wade decision.

Abortion rights supporters also attended the rally to show support for the historic federal court decision that legalized safe and legal access to abortion. In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned the 1973 ruling, allowing states to set their own rules regarding access to abortion. Last year, Florida enacted an abortion ban that largely made abortions illegal after six weeks of pregnancy. This replaced the state’s 15-week curfew approved two years ago.

“The majority of Floridians believe in reproductive freedom,” Pinellas Now President Diane Lebedev said in a statement. “In the last election, 57% voted in favor of constitutionally guaranteeing access to abortion. The Florida Legislature responded by calling off the attack and instead implementing policies that are good for public health. Must be.”

Protesters held signs calling for legalized abortion at the intersection of Central Avenue and Third Street in downtown St. Pete. The rally was sponsored by Pinellas Now, a chapter of the National Organization for Women, and supported by St. Petersburg Area League of Women Voters, Tampa Bay Abortion Fund, Fired Up Pinellas, Indivisible Planned Parenthood and Allendale United Methodist. received support. , Unitarian Universalist Fellowship St. Petersburg, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, and Progress Florida.

“On Wednesday, we stand with Florida’s abortion clinics and abortion funds as they continue to provide care, resources and support to patients, including travel, lodging and child care,” Pinellas NOW member Amy Weintraub said in a statement. said. “More and more Floridians are getting information by mail about all their options, including abortion pills, from Charlie and Plan C.”