On Saturday, Oct. 2, West Virginians will march to demand abortion access for all and to oppose any efforts to bring a radical, Texas-style law to West Virginia.
Rallies are planned in Charleston, Morgantown, Wheeling, Martinsburg, and Elkins. Organizers in Lewisburg have planned a virtual rally.
Last month, the Supreme Court denied an emergency request to block SB8 from taking effect in Texas. The law, which effectively bans abortions after six weeks, includes a bounty-hunting scheme by encouraging private individuals to sue anyone in Texas who violates the law. A reward of at least $10,000 will be given to anyone who successfully sues a doctor, health center worker, or any person who helps someone obtain an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. Lawsuits may be filed against a broad range of people, including: a person who drives their friend to obtain an abortion; abortion funds providing financial assistance to patients; health center staff; and even a member of the clergy who assists an abortion patient.
The American Civil Liberties Union continues to fight against this harmful, unconstitutional law in court. The U.S. Department of Justice has also brought a lawsuit against Texas to stop enforcement of SB8.
Most pregnant people do not yet know they are pregnant at six weeks, which is months before a fetus is considered viable. Abortion services have essentially halted in Texas since the law took effect, leaving many with no access to this lifesaving care.
Abortion is healthcare. Abortion is a right. Abortion is still legal in West Virginia, and we will never stop fighting to keep it that way.
Rallies and marches planned include:
Lewisburg 10 am: Virtual Rally (Meeting ID: 863 8985 2439 Passcode: 732690)
Martinsburg 10 am: 301 N Queen St Morgantown
Morgantown 10 am: Mon County Courthouse
Elkins Noon: Randolph County Courthouse
Wheeling Noon: Heritage Port & Veterans Memorial Amphitheater
Charleston 3:30 pm: WV State Capitol