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While many celebrated the weekend with fireworks and backyard barbecues. Some residents embraced the rain yesterday as they demonstrated in favor of abortion rights in Michigan, from Veteran’s Memorial Park in Houghton. Protestors said, while reactions were mixed, the majority of the feedback consisted of positive honks and shouts from passing cars. Keweenaw Youth for Climate Action member Gabriel Ahrendet, said he believes it’s important for people who believe in reproductive freedom to raise their voices, especially on the Fourth of July.
Some demonstrators collected petition signatures. The petition language would make reproductive rights a constitutional right under state law. Leaders of the movement are concerned about gathering enough signatures before the deadline to submit ballot language to the state.
Audrey Gerard, said access to reproductive health care was already a struggle for many who live in rural areas. She said following the Supreme Court’s decision it will be nearly impossible for vulnerable populations including the poor, minorities, and young Americans to get abortion care. The closest reproductive health center in the Upper Peninsula is Planned Parenthood in Marquette. That location does not provide full procedures, but they do have access to abortion pills, that are effective up to the 11th week of pregnancy. The closest access to abortion procedures is in St. Paul, Minnesota.
