Protest in city after Roe v Wade overturned in US
CAMPAIGNERS DEMONSTRATE AGAINST CHANGE IN ABORTION LAWS
PRO-CHOICE supporters took to the streets of Nottingham to show solidarity to people in the US affected by the decision to overturn Roe v Wade abortion laws.
The city stood with those affected in a demonstration held on Saturday (July 2) at 2pm until 3pm by the Brian Clough Statue.
The campaigners urged Nottingham people to show support at the event by “fighting to maintain access to safe and legal abortion”.
The event, organised by Prochoice Nottingham, featured speakers who spoke about the importance of safe and legal access. Campaigners said this would not only show solidarity but send a clear message to the British Government that similar decisions will not be accepted.
It comes after the US Supreme Court overturned the law that protects access to abortion. It was recently reported that almost half of US states have already passed legislation that could come into force allowing changes that reduce the time limit or ban abortion completely.
The ruling is expected to disproportionately affect minority women who already face limited access to healthcare, according to statistics analysed by The Associated Press.
Speaking previously, Lisa Clarke, a local nurse and member of Prochoice Nottingham said: “I and many of my friends and colleagues are utterly appalled at this decision, some really shaken and fearful.
“This is an extremist right-wing action and must be vocally rejected our own government, some of whom have been influenced by some of the same right-wing extremists.
“Our own cabinet contains some vocal anti-abortion voices.
“The UK government must speak out now and reassure women that we won’t be having our access to safe reproductive health questioned or removed.”
Speaking at the demonstration, Madeleine Twigord, an American student who came to Nottingham for an internship, said: “I haven’t been in America since the law was overturned and I don’t want to go back. It is not up to me, but I am just so scared.”
The 20-year-old from North Carolina added: “I feel like I have been let down by my country. Seeing people in Nottingham protesting against it makes it feel more real.
“It’s just so surreal. I’m frightened about how that will affect me.”
Rebecca Powditch, from The Meadows, had arrived at the demonstration with her partner. She said: “I studied in America. I lived there for four years.”
The 33-year-old engagement officer added: “I had an abortion five years ago in Nottingham and I had great support.
“I did not know that there are so many things to prevent women from having an abortion.
“I came here to show solidarity. It is about preserving life, and preserving the right to have a choice.
“It is scary that this happened in a democratic country.
“It makes you think whether it would be possible to happen here or elsewhere without a vote.
“It is not just a women’s issue. Banning abortions is basically making men become fathers against their will, too.”
Her partner Joe Hammond, who is 30 and also from The Meadows, added: “I think it is definitely down to the woman if she wants to keep the baby or not. I came here to show support and solidarity.”