Commuters driving south on the 57 Freeway honked their horns and truck drivers sounded their air horns as they passed beneath a striking banner reading “Hands Off Our Rights!” suspended above the roadway. The display was initiated by activists from Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties as part of a coordinated effort to advocate for reproductive rights.

On a cool Saturday morning, approximately two dozen activists participated in the banner drop in Fullerton, with additional events planned for Newport Beach, San Clemente, and various locations in San Bernardino County. Denise Ramos-Vega, the Public Affairs Community Organizer for Planned Parenthood, underscored the significance of the action.

“We’re dropping banners all across Orange and San Bernardino Counties to show our commitment to justice, fairness, and equal rights for all,” said Ramos-Vega. “We must show up and fight back against the Trump administration to protect our communities. We are standing together and sending a message that equality is non-negotiable.”

Local resident Debbie Langenbacher mobilized a group from her church to support the cause. “It’s a pivotal moment ahead of Trump’s inauguration, and we need to get the message out while we still have the right to free speech,” she stated.

The activists emphasized that reproductive freedom is a fundamental human right, asserting that decisions about their own bodies should be made by women—not politicians or extremist groups. Additionally, Ramos-Vega highlighted the interconnectedness of various social justice struggles.

“This fight goes beyond reproductive rights,” she said. “Today, we stand alongside communities facing attacks on their freedoms, including undocumented immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those fighting for racial justice. Our struggles are deeply connected to the fight for justice and equity for all.”

For those interested in supporting human rights, the activists encouraged participation through the community action fund at communityactionfund.org, emphasizing that the freedom one helps to protect may ultimately be their own.