Abortion rights protests are coming to SLO this month. Here’s when and where
Central Coast residents have been protesting the Supreme Court’s June 24 decision to overturn 50 years of federal abortion rights since the leaked draft opinion in May.
In July, two more local demonstrations for abortion rights are planned.
First up is the Rally to Protect Abortion on Saturday at Mitchell Park in San Luis Obispo.
The event begins at 11 a.m. and is hosted by the Democratic Socialists of America and Party for Socialism and Liberation.
“We won’t go back!” the announcement said. “Working class power will protect reproductive rights!”
One week later on July 16 is a 15-hour sit-in at the San Luis Obispo Superior Courthouse at 1050 Monterey St.
The sit-in is organized by a “community-led activist group” and goes from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the courthouse, according to an Instagram page for the event.
The activists organizing the sit-in are also fundraising for the Brigid Alliance, an organization that helps people in need of abortion services access funds for transportation, childcare, meals and more.
The fundraising team for the SLO Sit-in includes Ayanna Miller and Taylor Stephenson, according to a GoFundMe page for the SLO Sit-in.
“Like many others, we are outraged and disgusted with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the 50-year super-precedent that was set by Roe vs. Wade, which protected an individual’s right to safe and legal abortions,” Miller and Stephenson wrote. “The restriction of reproductive rights throughout the United States of America is undemocratic, unconstitutional and discriminatory.”
The GoFundMe is set for $12,500, enough to allow 10 people to access abortion services with help from the Brigid Alliance regardless of where they live in the United States, according to the GoFundMe page.
As of July 8 at 3 p.m., $650 has been raised out of the $12,500 goal.
“While this decision will impact everybody in this country, it will disproportionately impact marginalized communities including people of color, low-income, LGBTQ+, and transgender individuals, along with many others,” Miller and Stephenson said.
Need an abortion in SLO County? Here’s where to go
Abortion is still legal in California, but only one clinic in SLO County offers it.
People in need of an abortion can visit the Planned Parenthood Clinic in San Luis Obispo at 743 Pismo St.
Patients can call 888-898-3806 or go online to schedule an appointment at bit.ly/ppsloappt.
Learn more about the reproductive health clinics and services available to teens and adults in the county by reading past Tribune coverage at bit.ly/sloco-rh.
