'We're just moving backwards:' Dozens in Utica gather to protest Roe v. Wade overturn
Claudia Tenney’s tone was triumphant in a statement released Friday morning in response to the United States Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
“Today, the Supreme Court affirmed what has been true all along: that Roe and Casey were wrongly decided,” the congresswoman said. “The right to abortion is not one that has ever been guaranteed or protected by the Constitution of the United States.”
Outside her office on Court Street in Utica, however, dozens gathered Friday evening to protest the decision, which shifts abortion legislation to the states. Republican lawmakers are set to ban abortion in about half the states, while Democratic-led states like New York are likely to reinforce protections.
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“She’s not going to be our representative anymore, she’s carpetbagging away,” said Rev. Jill Farnham-Us, a member of the group Indivisible Mohawk Valley’s steering committee. “But she’s our current representative and we want her to know how we feel.”
Tenney, a Republican, represents New York’s 22nd Congressional District, but plans to run in the more conservative-friendly neighboring 24th district this year.
Steering committee member Jen DeWeerth said the choice to rally outside Tenney’s office was deliberate, to show the congresswoman her opinion is in the minority.
“We forget how many of us have had abortions, we forget how critical they are in order for our families to succeed and for women to maintain their health,” she said in an interview before the protest.
In a recent USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll, a majority said they’d want Congress to pass a law ensuring nationwide access to abortion if Roe v. Wade were overturned.
“We’re just moving backwards,” said Oneka Roach-Campbell, who was protesting Friday with her 13-year-old daughter.
“We say to our kids it’s their bodies,” she said. “But then you turn around and say, ‘Except for this.’”
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While New York’s Reproductive Health Act enshrines Roe v. Wade into state law and allows an abortion to be performed up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, 13 states have "trigger laws" that would restrict access to abortion if Roe were overturned, while other states have other types of abortion bans on the books.
Farnham-Us said support needs to be given now for people who may come out of state for an abortion.
Doreen Markson, 90, was once an escort for those going to Planned Parenthood for care. On Friday, she was protesting on Court Street, saying she was horrified by the Supreme Court decision.
“I thought maybe my work was almost done with them,” she said, of her work with Planned Parenthood. “But no, I have to go out again.”
Maria M. Silva covers food, drink and culture in the Mohawk Valley for the Observer-Dispatch. Email her at mariamsilva@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter.
H. Rose Schneider covers public safety, breaking and trending news for the Observer-Dispatch. Email Rose at hschneider@gannett.com.