Savannah Women’s March rallies for equitable reproductive rights

Written by Colleen Miller, Photographed by Kendra Frankle, Ally Abruscato and Video by Paige Mathieson

A crowd of more than 400 people gathered in Savannah’s Forsyth Park Oct. 2 at 11:00 a.m. to defend abortion access in response to the passage of Texas’ Heartbeat Bill (SB8). This law effectively bans abortions in the state by placing extreme restrictions on the procedure. In one of many rallies that occurred nationwide, this diverse crowd listened to several speakers including former Savannah mayor and House District 165 candidate, Edna Jackson, before marching along Bull Street and stopping in Johnson Square.

One speaker, Daniela Rodriguez, Executive Director at Migrant Equity Southeast asked, “What do immigrant rights have to do with abortion rights?” This simple, but poignant question offers insight into how many of the event speakers described reproductive rights as an issue not only impacting women in Texas but people from all backgrounds, identities and locations.

Reproductive healthcare — especially abortion — lies at the intersection of several identities. Not only do cisgender women require access to healthcare but so do people who are trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming. Accessible, affordable reproductive healthcare continues to be an intersectional issue for millions of Americans and is more widely being seen as not just a “women’s issue” but an equity issue.   

Coco Papy, a local activist who spoke at the march, urged people to consider what fully funded and accessible reproductive healthcare might look like in the future. “All people deserve access to the abortion care they need,” she said. “That includes Black and indigenous people of color, trans, non-binary and more.”

“Don’t make today the last time you make your voices heard. Spread the word about our injustices.”

Kathy Adams

In a call to action, march organizers urged the crowd to visit openstates.org to track legislation and to find contact information for legislators. As the Women’s Health Protection Act (H.R.3755) passed the House of Representatives Sept. 24 and the Supreme Court re-convened Oct. 4, it is especially important for constituents to communicate openly with their elected officials about the policies they care about.  

Kathy Adams, Southern regional director for the National Federation of Democratic Women left the energetic crowd with an important note, “Don’t make today the last time you make your voices heard,” she said. “Spread the word about our injustices.”