‘Michigan is pro-choice—let’s keep it that way!’

What do these groups have in common: African-American workers at reproductive services clinics, unionists and labor leaders, Green Party activists, and organizers against war and injustice?

Debbie Johnson, speaking on bullhorn, urges support for South Dakota women. WW photo

In downtown Detroit on June 30, these and other pro-choice advocates came together for a rally in support of reproductive choices for all women. The demonstrators were mostly young people of many nationalities, with African-American, Latin@, Arab and Asian communities represented.

Many workers leaving downtown Detroit for the holiday weekend honked their car horns in solidarity as they saw the Detroit Action Network For Reproductive Rights (DANFORR) banner and the many signs and placards demanding reproductive freedom.

Planned Parenthood organizer Katey Aquilina, who spoke at the rally, passed out pink placards reading, “Stand up for women in South Dakota.” The slogan refers to a new law in that state that would outlaw all abortions except to save a woman’s life. South Dakota pro-choice forces recently succeeded in getting a referendum on the ballot in the Nov. 7 statewide elections on the validity of the law. Activists there are campaigning vigorously to defeat what is called “Referred Law 6.”

DANFORR organizer Kris Hamel chaired the rally, declaring, “We are here to take a stand for choice. We are here in solidarity with the women of South Dakota. And we are here to say in no uncertain terms that Michigan is a pro-choice state and we are determined to keep it that way!”

Metro-Detroit Coalition of Labor Union Women President Millie Hall sent a statement to the rally saying, “At our CLUW founding conference our slogan was ‘We are not here to swap recipes.’ We are here to take a stand and we mean business. I want you to know that we are on the same path—and seeking the same mission. We stand by you in this endeavor as you bring awareness to a battle we have been waging a long time.”

DANFORR leader Debbie Johnson, a long-time organizer against all types of injustice, captivated the listeners with her intensely personal yet highly political comments. “Our rights are being aggressively challenged by a war-mongering baby-killer of Iraqi babies and children, a president who wages war directly and indirectly around the world while he oversees an aggressive attack on women’s right to choose. We will not let him succeed!

“We must let our voices be heard in the cities and towns and states from sea to shining sea as a constant and vocal challenge to those who would deny women the right of choice. We must raise our voices even louder for those who are challenged by poverty and unemployment and could not be here today, whose needs must also be vigorously protected and defended.”

Sylvia Innwood, co-chair of the Women’s Caucus of Green Party USA and Detroit Greens leader, spoke at the rally, as did Kimberly Jackson, outreach director of the Summit Medical Center in Detroit. Summit is well-known to area women as an excellent provider of a full range of reproductive services, including abortion. Jackson reiterated how important it is for pro-choice people to take a stand during these times.

Shalece Daniels, administrator of the Women’s Advisory Center and Sharpe Clinic, fired up the crowd: “South Dakota is a wakeup call! It’s time to organize, time to take action so this type of law doesn’t go anywhere else. We are on the offensive here today, not the defensive. We are pro-active and we must encourage everyone we can to stand up for choice.”

Katey Aquilina of Planned Parenthood got the audience chanting: “If it is to be, then it is up to me!”

Wendy Richardson, a clinic escort organizer, urged involvement at women’s clinics: “Every day women are harassed and intimidated because they make a choice and try to access legal medical services. Clinics all over the country are subjected to this treatment, including the ones here in our backyard. When escorts are there, the anti-choice protesters are less aggressive and the women appreciate the support as they make their choices.”

Marisol Ybarra, a leader of the Wayne State University chapter of Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, urged young people and students to continue to take a stand for choice.

Funds were collected to send to the South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families and 25 new members of DANFORR were signed up at the rally. The next general membership meeting of DANFORR is July 13 at 6:30 p.m., at 5920 Second Ave. in Detroit. Call 313-378-2369 or contact [email protected] for more information.