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Planned Parenthood Rally By Anjali kakarla and serena o'brien

Combatant chants clashed, echoing through the University of Michigan Diag. On May 14, several thousand protestors gathered to protest in response to a leaked Supreme Court opinion indicating an overturn of Roe v. Wade, a 1973 decision which laid precedent for legal abortion across the nation. Written by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, the opinion, if officially released, would negate the longstanding guidelines protecting uterus-bearing individuals’ right to a safe and legal abortion. The event, hosted by Planned Parenthood, specifically targeted both the Supreme Court opinion and the state of Michigan’s own laws regarding the legality of abortion.

Photos by Anjali Kakarla

Should Roe v. Wade be overturned, a 1931 Michigan state law would take effect, banning abortion in the state. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has filed a lawsuit against the state of Michigan to overturn this law, and has promised to continue to fight for legal abortion access both in the state of Michigan and nationwide.

Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II attended the rally on behalf of Gov. Whitmer. He was among an influential list of speakers including Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Rep. Debbie Dingell and Nicole Wells Stalworth, the Executive Director of the Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan. Gilchrist II emphasized that the Whitmer administration will do everything they can to protect abortion rights.

Photo by Anjali Kakarla

"We expect every decision maker, every court, to make choices that grant us protection and more rights, not take our rights away,” Gilchrist II said. “That is why our administration is calling on the Michigan Supreme Court to affirm and assert the right to abortion access in Michigan.”

Photo by Anjali Kakarla

The gathered protestors spanned demographics, coming from all different political and racial backgrounds.

“It was very heartening to see everyone come together,” said Sana Schaden, Community High School (CHS) sophomore. “And to see such a diversity of people.” Schaden recognizes feminism as a movement that has historically marginalized women of color and non-cisgender individuals.

“It’s just a much further range of representation in these issues,” Schaden said. “I think the movement is becoming much more inclusive.”

Photo By Serena O'Brien

Chun Soo Jung Han attended the rally with the organization Rising Voices, which aims to build Asian American political power.

“We have historically gone unseen in society, and we deserve to be seen,” Han said. Han points out how low income, working class Americans will be disproportionately harmed by the loss of reproductive rights.

“It’s not just a now issue,” Han said. “It’s been a forever issue.”

Jan Sovak grew up protected by Roe v. Wade, but as conservative politicians encroach on the federally upheld right to abortion, she has realized her actions are becoming necessary.

“I’m sorry I even have to be here,” Sovak said. “I’m glad to speak my voice and I hope my voice is heard, but I’m really sorry.” She believes that medical decisions should be left up to the recipient of medical care and medical professionals, not courts, politicians, and legislators.

Alongside the protestors in favor of widespread abortion access was a coalition of pro-birth individuals. Lining the boundary of the square, these protestors stood in protest of the protest. Their opposing voices could be heard dimly, but were for the most part drowned out by the cheering of those participating in the rally.

“It was weird seeing pro-life people there,” said Abbi Bachman, CHS sophomore. She was relieved to have the support of the other women in attendance, who helped prevent the protestors from invading their space. “It was really inspiring to see all these people who were fighting for me,” Bachman said.

Photos by Anjali Kakarla and Serena O'Brien, interviews courtesy of Anjali Kakarla, Serena O'Brien, Abbi Bachman, and Izzie Jacob.

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Anjali Kakarla, Serena O'Brien