Daily Local, 5/15/2022- Many attend rally in West Chester to support women’s right to abortion
By Bill Retwe
WEST CHESTER — Just three days before Tuesday’s primary, many of 21 speakers at Saturday’s rally to support women’s rights urged about 400 demonstrators at the historic courthouse to vote.
Downingtown Mayor Phil Dague blamed the recent U.S. Supreme Court’s leaked opinion that might lead to overturning the 50-year-old Roe v. Wade decision on the complacency of some voters.
“Are you outraged?” Dague asked. “Get out of your comfort zone.
“Get out there and vote — every election — every primary.”
West Chester Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste told the ralliers, many holding protest signs, that we are in a “long game.
“This is war,” she said. “There are consequences to our actions.
“We are all in this together.”
U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th of Easttown, talked about what she said are out-of-touch politicians and that former President Donald Trump is “dangerous” to our country.
“It will just prevent safe abortions,” she said. “Women will be hurt.
“Every single person will be hurt.”
State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-155th of Uwchlan, supports Roe v. Wade and noted that grandmothers fought for changes.
“We need women who are willing to stand up,” she said.
Former West Chester Mayor and state Rep. Dianne Herrin, D-156th of West Chester, talked about pending and “horrifying” Harrisburg legislation. She said that if it wasn’t for the actions of Gov. Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania would be “worse than Texas.”
Recorder of Deeds and candidate for state representative in the 156th District, Chris Pielli, said that Supreme Court changes could lead to back-alley abortions.
“We would be forced to raise babies as if they were livestock,” Pielli said. “These folks are trying to bring us back to a dark time in history.”
Kim Andrews, executive director of Chester County Fund for Women and Girls, said she supports basic human rights.
“Get engaged,” she said. “Run for office.
“Make your voice heard.”
Blake Ciresa is a junior a Kennett High School.
“As long as we treat abortion as a dirty word, we continue to inhibit women,” Ciresa said.
County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz asked the ralliers to remember the ladies, their voting rights and equal pay.
“This is taking too long,” she said.
Commissioner Josh Maxwell said that plans are being made to address any possible changes.
Blair Thornburgh quoted the New York Times when she said Pennsylvania is a battleground state.
“A lot of people want to stand up for these rights,” she said.
Dan Schatz, minister at the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester said that the Religious Right does not own the issue if we believe in love and justice.
Cathy Spahr is running for state Rep. in the 160th District and said that all politics is local and every vote counts.
“Find a candidate and help them get elected,” she said.
Jill Laufenberg is executive director of Wings for Success.
“We are not pro-abortion,” she said. “Women are not getting pregnant just to end it.
“We are not standing here celebrating abortions. We recognize the fundamental right for a woman to choose.”
Charlotte Valyo is chair of the Chester County Democratic Committee and noted that 50 years after Roe there is still ongoing fighting.
“This is the time to energize; we need to educate.”
Meghan Carey performed from the courthouse steps.
The event was sponsored by Indivisible of Chester County, Chester County Marching Forward, Empower PA PAC, Way Forward, Black Women of Chester County in Action, members of Coatesville City Council and Red, Wine and Blue.