The SLO Women’s March (WMSLO) held a rally and march for reproductive rights on Saturday in response to the Texas abortion ban. The date marked the organization’s fifth anniversary since the first march was held during the 2016 election cycle.

“We have seen unprecedented attacks on abortion care, reproductive rights, people who can get pregnant first and foremost, but it really is an attack on everyone,” said the co-founder and co-executive director. from WMSLO, Dawn Addis in an interview with Mustang News. “When the government passes this kind of law that deliberately pits people against each other, it is something we all have to speak up for.”

WMSLO hosted a series of guest speakers during the rally, which took place at the San Luis Obispo County Courthouse starting at 10 a.m. Members of the community gathered around the steps of the courthouse with signs placed at the start of the speeches.

Obstetrics and gynecology specialist Dr. Susan Robinson spoke about her own experiences performing and observing subsequent abortions.

“I believe the reason a person wants an abortion is irrelevant,” said Robinson. “It is up to the person carrying the pregnancy to decide whether the pregnancy should continue. Elect people who will advocate for the right to free, safe and accessible abortion and reproductive care, and who will share specific information about gender affirmation right here in San Luis Obispo.

Cal Poly State University Employee Union President and SLO Scoop reporter Erin Foote shared her own story on abortion and her call to action with the Palace audience. justice.

“Right now, as we look at a post-Roe reality, nice white ladies like me – and like maybe many of you here – can no longer have the privilege of saying nothing,” Foote said.

Cal Poly’s Planned Parenthood Generation Action (PPGA) President Benjamin Vargas addressed the audience after Foote’s speech, sharing his group’s mission in the community of San Luis Obispo and ways for the public to get involved.

“I feel the community response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Vargas said in an interview with Mustang News.

Vargas said the club is working on joint events with other campus clubs and hopes to set up a campus condom distribution for Halloween. The Cal Poly PPGA will have a booth this Thursday, October 7 at the Downtown SLO Farmers Market.

Community member Ruzena Brar ended the rally with her story of abortion, a procedure that took place during her third pregnancy.

“I was fortunate to have a choice, a choice that has been taken away from the Texans and is threatened in so many other states,” said Brar. “Right now, abortion patients in Texas are trying to organize their trip, trying to find a way to afford it, and trying to figure out the logistics, child care, free time.

After the speeches began, the audience began the en-route march through the city center, then gathered again and dispersed to the courthouse.

WMSLO will continue to host its “Answer the Call” virtual events in the coming months, where women local and state leaders share their leadership experiences. More information can be found on the WMSLO website, in addition to the calendar of other related events.