Hundreds rallied at the Illinois Old State Capitol Plaza on Saturday in support of a woman’s right to choose and to preserve Illinois as a safe refuge for women in other states who are seeking reproductive healthcare.
Ward Five Alderwoman, Lakeishia Purchase. “I think it’s very important that we participate together in order to send a strong message that we are here for you. We are open to you coming here, and we will continue to fight for you.”
The number of men at Saturday’s rally was notable. Tracy Owen is co-founder of the Resister Sisterhood. “Yes, we have a lot of male supporters, and we appreciate them so much. My friends Andrew and Josh recently started the Central Illinois Men for Choice group. They would welcome any and all guys to help support the women in their lives that they love and care about.”
According to Planned Parenthood Action, co-sponsor of Saturday’s rally, Illinois is contiguous to no state without either a full- or partial ban on abortion.