MADISON, Wis. — On June 24, Roe V. Wade was overturned. It was a decision that sparked protests across the nation.
And on Saturday, the organization Pro-Life Wisconsin held a rally on the front steps of Wisconsin’s Capitol to advocate for the state’s 1849 abortion ban and let women know that abortion is not the only option.
“Now, because of our 1849 abortion ban, there are no abortions being performed in Wisconsin and we want to keep it that way,” said Anna Demeuse, communications director at Pro-Life Wisconsin.
This marks the second Pro-Life Wisconsin Rally. Organizers said they chose Madison for the rally location because they hoped the organization could reach women that normally wouldn’t hear from an anti-abortion group.
“We know Madison, we are going to have a lot of people that disagree with us here but it is important to get our message out and to get resources out to women to let them know that abortion is not their only option,” said Demeuse.
The rally took place during Madison’s farmers’ market, a weekly event that draws in hundreds of guests from throughout the city and many people, including Navaeh Richardson, couldn’t help but to stop and see what was going on.
“I think that the issue is disgusting that it is even up for debate whether women can have control over their own bodies,” said Richardson.
As a young woman, Richardson said this is an issue she’s very passionate about.
But the message that Demeuse and her organization were trying to spread was also met with counter protesters.
“I think everybody in the state of Wisconsin should be able to control their own fertility so that means they need to be able to choose when they can have a child and when they choose to end a pregnancy,” said Kim Gasper-Rabuck, an abortion rights advocate.
Gasper-Rabuck said she will not rest until women like her have a choice over their own bodies again.
“We are here to say that Roe V. Wade should be the law of the land, and we aren’t going to stop protesting until everyone has access to abortion,” said Gasper-Rabuck.
Richardson seemed to agree.
“I really think advocation is really important, but more than anything, I think everybody needs to mind their own business,” said Richardson. “I just do not think it is even a political issue. I think that politics have absolutely no place in an issue like this.”
Gasper-Rabuck said if you are someone who wants to have an abortion but live in a state like Wisconsin, you should call Planned Parenthood.
“There are two fake clinics in Madison. They are acting like they provide women with medical services — they do not and they are very unsafe,” said Gasper-Rabuck. “Make sure that you are speaking to Planned Parenthood or another very reputable organization.”
Demeuse, on the other hand, asks that if you have abortion facilities in your state, you go outside the business and pray.
“There’s still women that are seeking abortions in Wisconsin and we want to still meet those women and let them know that there are people here to help them in their life affirming choice to choose life for their baby,” said Demeuse.