Hundreds rally in Downtown Peoria against Supreme Court's abortion ruling

PEORIA — Hundreds of people gathered Saturday around the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial to protest Friday's Supreme Court decision.

"We write on page of granite what they wrought on field of battle," reads the monument. Demonstrators wrote on posterboard. Their battle was abortion rights.

"Abort the court," read one placard. "You can't ban abortion. You can only ban safe abortion," read another.

The two-hour rally at the Peoria County Courthouse plaza followed the high court's ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion.

Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade: Constitutional right to abortion eliminated

A handful of speakers addressed the somewhat somber but attentive and responsive crowd of men, women and children. "This is what democracy looks like," went one call and response.

There was no sign of counterprotesters. A handful of police watched the peaceful rally from across the street.

Organized by the Peoria Democratic Socialists of America, the event addressed not only reproductive rights. Speakers and posters also addressed gun control, workplace equity and universal health care.

SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade: What happens to abortion access in Illinois and the Midwest?

One speaker recounted her own pre-Roe abortion, saying, "How blessed we are in Illinois" but warning how that could change "in one election."

Christina Norton of East Peoria, a member of PDSA and chair of its ad hoc Roe v. Wade committee, said she was not surprised by the court's decision. "We had a preview," she said, referring to the leaked first draft of the high court's opinion.

She expressed concerns for the health and safety of women in the wake of the ruling. She said supporters of reproductive rights should join grass-roots organizations and get out and vote, echoing Saturday's speakers. "And keep the pressure on lawmakers," Norton added.

The Supreme Court decision shifts the focus of one of the nation's most divisive debates to state capitols: Republican lawmakers are set to ban abortion in about half the states, while Democratic-led states are likely to reinforce protections for the procedure. Illinois is one of 16 states to have laws or constitutional amendments explicitly protecting abortion access.

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In statements released Friday, abortion opponents including Bishop Louis Tylka of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria celebrated the Supreme Court ruling.

Tylka said, “Today’s decision is not the last word in this matter. It is, however, a significant moment in the efforts to work toward a greater respect for life and it is a reason to give thanks to God."