Friday evening, June 24, saw a large protest in Downtown Fullerton. Demonstrators gathered beginning at 6pm to voice their displeasure with the recent Supreme Court decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the landmark decision Roe v. Wade and the right of American women to obtain an abortion in states that have laws banning the procedure. At the rally/protest, which was organized by Planned Parenthood, people affirmed their support for women’s reproductive rights.
Photo by Gaston Castellanos.
As protesters marched around the intersection of Harbor Blvd. and Commonwealth Ave, many voiced their displeasure with the Court’s ruling, chanting slogans such as “Our Body, Our Choice!”
Photo by Gaston Castellanos.
A demonstrator who identified herself as Yasniel said she saw the protests while getting dinner and decided to join. “I’ve had an experience myself with an abortion, and I think everyone has a right to their own body.”
Photo by Gaston Castellanos.
Drivers on Harbor and Commonwealth frequently honked their horns in approval to demonstrate their support.
Photo by Gaston Castellanos.
“I’m here as a gay man. I hope the same Court doesn’t start repealing other decisions made over the past twenty years,” said attendee Randy Baxter. “I hope others start suing states where abortion is banned over the Thirteenth Amendment, over being forced to carry a baby against their will. That’s involuntary servitude.”
Photo by Gaston Castellanos.
The day’s events inspired many of the protesters to take further action for the cause of abortion rights. “I think what we do is contact our legislators and we donate to them,” stated Jeanette Reese, a Fullerton resident who accompanied Baxter to the demonstration and has previously been involved in abortion rights activism.
Photo by Gaston Castellanos.
Even with the Dobbs ruling, abortion continues to remain legal in California. California lawmakers have placed an initiative on the ballot this November that would codify a woman’s right to an abortion in the State Constitution.
Photo by Gaston Castellanos.
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Categories: Local News
I’m confused. Did the Supreme Court make abortions illegal?
It allowed states to outlaw abortion, although they continue to be legal in some states, such as here in California.
Although I am not an abortion proponent, it is not for me to judge a pregnant woman’s decision. There may be valid reasons to terminate a pregnancy.
Now it is up to states to maintain and enforce legislation to establish baselines acceptable to their constituency. California has done so and has several other laws in the legislative pipeline.
That is the basis for the Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding Dobbs vs. Jackson. If Jackson Women’s Health Organization had not sued Thomas Dobbs, state health officer, regarding Mississippi’s Gestational Age, we wouldn’t face this current conundrum.
I wish there were just as many citizens on hand to protest the heinous murder of Kelly Thomas.