Chicago—(ENEWSPF)—July 15, 2013. In solidarity with the national call to action for Texas mothers, grandmothers, legislators, and supporters fighting for the ability to choose the future of their bodies, Chicago supporters of women’s rights will make their voices heard.
“We fear for our own reproductive health and the right to decide what happens to our bodies because Texas HB bill will require doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, only allow abortions in surgical centers, dictate when abortion pills are taken and ban abortions after 20 weeks,” said Brit Schulte, organizer.
“Demonstrations against the anti-abortion legislation in Texas are happening across the nation today and will continue. Just as people of Brazil, Egypt and Turkey have used the power of solidarity and collective action to fight inequality so will they. We stand in solidarity with Texas fighters for social justice and demand that abortion without apology be accessible everywhere,” said Schulte.
As the fight is only beginning in Texas, it is echoed in Chicago, community members and reproductive rights groups say that the Texas abortion debate will limit the victories hard-won only decades ago.
“Through protest and struggle 40 years ago, ordinary people won historic gains to end sterilization abuse and recognize abortion as every woman’s right. Those gains have been under attack ever since. We are calling on Chicago to join us in supporting women in Texas and beyond standing against their rights being stolen. Join us Monday, July 15 at 6 p.m. at Daley Plaza and send a clear message across this country, women’s rights will not be strangled,” said Schulte.
“We aim to promote an open letter cosigned by a variety of activists, scholars and organizations, including Alice Walker, Naral Pro-Choice Texas and GetEqual TX, calling for a national day of solidarity actions,” said Schulte. The open letter can be read and signed here: http://www.change.org/petitions/pro-choice-america-join-a-national-day-of-action-on-july15th
Featured organizations and individuals include: the Illinois Choice Action Team, Sex Workers Outreach Project, the International Socialist Organization, the Young Chicago Authors, and abortion care providers and midwives.
Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/601778279853615/
Website: http://chistandswithtxwomen.tumblr.com/
