In re: Reproductive freedom marches planned in five Arkansas cities
 
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 29, 2021

Contact: Haleigh Garrett, [email protected]

 

ROGERS — Thousands will gather Saturday, Oct. 2, in five cities across Arkansas for the March for Reproductive Freedom in response to the Texas anti-abortion law and to send a clear, unified message to the Supreme Court and state lawmakers that the attack on reproductive rights will not be tolerated.

“The Arkansas super majority legislature enacted 20 abortion restriction laws this year, with no exceptions for rape or incest — making it some of the most restrictive abortion bans in the country. All during a pandemic that has ravaged the state no less,” said Karen Ricketts, president of Arkansas Coalition for Reproductive Justice.

The Arkansas Coalition for Reproductive Justice (ACRJ), the Arkansas Abortion Support Network (AASN), and Planned Parenthood Great Plains (PPGP) are the primary co-sponsors working together to hold rallies in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Fayetteville, and Mountain Home.

“Texas’s unconstitutional six-week abortion ban is the loudest alarm yet that reproductive rights are in grave danger in Texas, in Arkansas, and across the country,” said Emily Wales, interim president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains. “It sets a dangerous legal precedent that could clear the path for states to override people’s constitutional rights. We, alongside our partners, are continuing this fight. We won’t back down, and we will not allow the reality of Texas to become the reality of Arkansas.”

The Northwest Arkansas March for Reproductive Freedom will begin at 3 p.m. at the plaza of the Fayetteville Town Center. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, bring their masks, signs, and a water bottle. Seating will be provided for those unable to stand for long periods.

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ACRJ’s mission is to co-create a world where all people have the social, political & economic power & resources to make healthy decisions about our gender, bodies, sexuality & families for ourselves and our communities.

 

AASN’s mission: We work to reduce barriers to abortion access in Arkansas through abortion funding, clinic escorting, and community outreach and education.

 

PPGP’s mission is to set the standard for providing high-quality sexual and reproductive health care; provide education that promotes informed, evidence-based, and authentic sexuality; and change the culture through proactive advocacy and outreach to ensure equity in reproductive and sexual decision-making.