Abortion rights rally slated in Greensburg

An abortion rights rally is planned Wednesday in downtown Greensburg in the wake of last week’s U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down Roe v. Wade and ending the federal right to an abortion.

The rally is slated for 5:15 p.m. at Main and Otterman streets, according to a post on the Facebook page of local grassroots activist organization Voice of Westmoreland.

The rally is being hosted by another activist group, Westmoreland Racial and Social Justice, according to member Justin Blatney, who posted the announcement.

The rally will be held on the sidewalk. The adjacent Courthouse Square plaza, which traditionally has been the site of downtown public demonstrations, is fenced while work is underway to reconstruct an underground garage for the courthouse.

The Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling means each state will decide on the legality of abortions within its borders.

Abortions remain legal in Pennsylvania, but political observers have noted November’s general election could determine whether that status will continue.

Voice of Westmoreland supports the rally and will have representatives in attendance “to join in the fight to protect women’s rights in Pennsylvania,” according to spokeswoman Amanda Rose Piern. “We need solidarity and action to protect ourselves and to live dignified lives.”

Water and snacks will be available in limited quantities for rally participants, who are asked to respect those who want to maintain social distancing, Blatney said. Organizers are planning to help those attending to register to vote.