by Shawn Nowlin
“Keep your laws off my body.” “No uterus, no opinion,” and “Virginia must stay legal,” were some of the signs pro-choice advocates held during a gathering on the steps of the Roanoke Federal Building downtown on June 24. The gathering was in protest of the Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn Roe V. Wade, the landmark rule that protects a pregnant woman’s liberty to choose to have an abortion.
News of the decision triggered immediate reactions from opponents and supporters of abortion rights across the nation.
Among those who attended Friday’s protest locally were Brianna Sage, a Roanoke native and current James Madison University student, and Leela Smith, a high school junior. “If the Supreme Court had overturned Roe V. Wade a few years ago, my sister would have been forced (according to certain states’ laws) at just 13 to birth a baby even though she was a victim of molestation,” Smith said. “This ruling is unconscionable. The fight does not end here. In fact, it has just begun.”
Both Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke, and Sen. John Edwards, D-Roanoke, spoke to protestors at the gathering. Countless people honked their horns in support of the protest as they drove by in their vehicles. No protestor was arrested during the hours-long demonstration.
Now that Roe V. Wade has been overturned, more than half of the states are preparing to ban or significantly restrict abortions. There will be no exceptions in deep-red states like Texas, not even for rape or incest.
At the moment, abortion remains legal in Virginia. If Gov. Youngkin were to push forward with supporting a 15-week ban on abortions, that would drastically change the types of medical services women can receive throughout the Commonwealth.
“The Supreme Court of the United States has rightfully returned power to the people and their elected representatives in the states. I’m proud to be a pro-life Governor and plan to take every action I can to protect life. The truth is, Virginians want fewer abortions, not more abortions. We can build a bipartisan consensus on protecting the life of unborn children, especially when they begin to feel pain in the womb, and importantly supporting mothers and families who choose life,” Youngkin said.
He added, “I’ve asked State Senators and Delegates to do the important work needed and be prepared to introduce legislation when the General Assembly returns in January.”
During his Administration, President Trump was able to appoint three justices to the Supreme Court – Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barret. Roanoke native Lisa Bates says she’ll never understand how people knew that Roe V. Wade was on the ballot in 2016, but because Hillary wasn’t a perfect candidate, many chose to either not vote or empower a man who had filed for bankruptcy multiple times and openly bragged about sexual assault.
“People often say that we are all human and no one is perfect. But when it comes to politicians though, that sentiment does not apply. Hillary served as First Lady, a New York State Senator, and a Secretary of State, but because of some comments she never should have made several years ago, that eradicates everything she’s done in her career?” Bates said. “If this decision doesn’t motivate people to get out and vote, I don’t think anything will.”
People who travel across state lines for abortion care will, according to the President, be protected in the Biden Administration. Conversely, GOP officials have signaled a readiness to prosecute individuals who “aid and abet” an abortion. Steve Zeller, a staunch pro-lifer, says he doesn’t think that is a bad idea. “There is never a reason to have an abortion. The life of that unborn child should always be protected, regardless of the circumstance. I’m glad this ruling finally came to be.”
A recent Pew Research Poll found that roughly 67 percent of Americans support Roe V. Wade. Once it was overturned, voters were urged by President Biden to support lawmakers who will codify abortion rights into law.
However, most medical centers that do not offer abortions for women do provide alternative medical services. The Blue Ridge Women’s Center on Williamson Road provides resources, materials, and support for free to women who endure an unexpected pregnancy.
