On Saturday, Oct. 2, a nationwide Women’s March is planned to bring awareness to and present a unified front against what some believe is an attack on reproductive rights in America. This march is set to happen ahead of the Supreme Court reconvening on Oct. 4.
The nationwide protest was announced on Sept. 2 in response to Texas’s new legislation concerning abortion going into effect that same day. This new legislation bans abortions from occurring after six weeks and allows anyone to take legal action against any person in the state that is involved with an abortion that takes place after the detection of a fetal “heartbeat.” Despite both medical and legal experts saying the term “heartbeat” is misleading — as a six week embryo would not yet have developed a heart — the legislation was passed and signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
Marches will be held in both Durham and Raleigh. The Durham march will begin at 1 p.m. at the City Square, while Raleigh’s will begin at 11 a.m. at the Bicentennial Plaza. One is able to RSVP for these events on the Women's March website. Those who are planning to attend the event should be aware that, as with any public march or protest, there is a possibility that violence may occur.
The first Women’s March was in 2017 the day after former president Donald Trump’s inauguration. This march was protesting misogynistic statements he had made as a presidential candidate. There was also a march in late 2020 protesting Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court. This particular event was also a tribute to the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
It is encouraged that anyone attending the marches still abide by guidelines concerning COVID-19. Wearing a mask and social distancing will help keep all those in attendance safe.
By Maggie Barnhill, Staff Writer