Abortion-rights rally held in Jeffersonville, as Republican state lawmakers push back special session
Abortion-rights advocates were out in Jeffersonville Wednesday afternoon voicing their opposition to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
The five days since the decision was announced have done little to calm the shock and fear many of the women in attendance felt last Friday, including Nikki Wells.
The rally was organized by teenage activists Effie Alexander who is 18 years old and her best friend Katie Geswein who is 17.
Alexander got the idea to host the rally as a way to channel her anger into action.
"I really thought when we were putting it in motion we were only going to have 20 people and it was going to be a few friends from school and now there are so many people here that we don't even know," Alexander said.
Geswein didn't hesitate to jump in and help.
"If I have the ability to fight, I'm going to fight. If I have the ability to say something, I'm going to say something," Geswein said.
Around 200 people showed up outside Jeffersonville City Hall where the rally was held. Among the crowd were men and women of all ages along with entire families.
Kimberly Freeman said it's too critical of a moment not to speak up.
"I mean it's huge. I think we all realize it's a slippery slope. If they are going backward on this, there's only more rights that they can just start stripping away. So this is people taking a stand," Freeman said.
Right now abortions are still legal in Indiana but that could change after next month's special session where a statewide ban will be considered and likely passed with the current Republican super majority.
Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb initially called a special session last week to take up a tax refund proposal. But when the Supreme Court issued its abortion ruling days later, Republican legislative leaders said lawmakers would also debate anti-abortion measures.
Protesters are hoping those lawmakers are listening to the crowds that have been demonstrating since Friday.
"Don't go through with this. There are tons of women who have had miscarriages that needed that medical attention that they would die if they didn't have it. I have a child at home that could get pregnant and they're only 12. I just can't imagine," Freeman said.
The special session was set to begin on July 6 but Republican legislative leaders announced Wednesday that they will now convene on July 25 to allow more time to prepare.