'We Won’t Go Back!' Rally for women's lives, right to abortion is Saturday in Galesburg

GALESBURG — A We Won't Go Back rally to protest the elimination of women’s right to abortion and control over their own bodies is scheduled for noon Saturday at the Knox County Courthouse, 200 S. Cherry St.

“This outrageous decision by an improperly packed partisan Supreme Court is a profound assault on the civil rights of all women,” said organizer Karen Kampwirth of Galesburg. “It opens the door to the most draconian restrictions on women’s ability to obtain needed abortions, even in cases of rape and incest.

“Everyone who is concerned for the future of women’s lives, health and fundamental rights is invited to join us at the Courthouse to express our anger, sorrow and determination to resist this attempt to move the clock back 50 years."

Similar rallies have been occurring around the country since the announcement of the Supreme Court’s decision on June 24, including Washington DC, Chicago, Peoria and the Quad Cities.

The rally will give those who attend an opportunity to speak about what this constitutional change means to them and their loved ones. Confirmed speakers include Knox County State’s Attorney Jeremy Karlin and Knox County Board member Pamela Davidson.

“Everyone who believes that the US Constitution includes a fundamental right to privacy should be concerned by this Supreme Court decision,” Kampwirth said . “The arguments used to justify this radical move also can be used to restrict access to contraception and undo the right to same-sex marriage, among other fundamental rights.”

The rally is sponsored by United Against Hate, Galesburg PFLAG and NAACP Galesburg Branch 3016.