Allie Samek was the architect behind a pro-choice rally in Gettysburg on Saturday October 15. She hosted and led local advocates and supporters, both in a discussion about the effects of the recent overturning of Roe vs Wade and in a demonstrative march of support through Lincoln Square.
Samek said she opted for a rally as an outlet to “show what you believe in, put ourselves out there to show others we’re here and we care.”
Samek worked with the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County- a nonprofit community organization that offers programs for locals, with hopes to fulfill their mission statement of “eliminating racism and empowering women.” Samek’s desire to host a more supportive event meshed well with the ideals of the YWCA, which had been known to sponsor rallies for voter outreach.
The rally began at the YWCA located on Fairfield Road, where attendees gathered to hear opening remarks of Samek, and her introduction of District 91 state representative candidate Marty Qually, who introduced the first (surprise) guest speaker, Kate Michelman.
Michelman is a longtime advocate for women’s reproductive rights. President of NARAL- a pro-choice 501 (c)(3)- from 1985 to 2004 and working to offer abortions and fertility options throughout Pennsylvania, she has been an advocate for decades. Michelman spoke about her own experience; touching on the decisions she had to make her own decision not to have a fourth child after her husband had left. This included the challenges posed to her by hospitals when she pleaded her case for an abortion.
Michelman concluded her speech with inspiration for those participating: “We have a job to do, help people understand what it means to not have the right to decide. What that means to a woman’s life and her families life”
Kristine Cousler-Womak was next to take the podium. Cousler-Womak is a member of the Keystone Party, and is running for state representative in York County’ District 93. After recounting her reproductive hardships, Cousler-Womak emphasized the necessity of safe healthcare options for women. “Banning something does not make it safe, it makes it much more dangerous,” she said. Cousler-Womak also highlighted the importance of informed voters supporting equally informed representatives.
Beth Farnham is a Democrat running as a write-in representative for U.S Representative from District 13. Farnham touched on the dangers of false information regarding health rights, especially in public schools. “This is where you begin to reach locals. If comprehensive sex Ed is taught, abortion and LGBT rights are taught, in addition to adoption and maintaining pregnancy,” she said.
Farnham went on to advocate for Rights, Respect, and Responsibility (3R’s) an entirely free and comprehensive sexual education program. She concluded by emphasizing informed voting and the stakes set out for women in the upcoming election season.
“You are the people who can make the difference; write in the name, speak the name…I know the decisions I’ve made with my own body, I know the stakes and understand the threat to my children, not just my daughter. When women do not have valid information, then men might not have valid information,” said Farnham.
After the formal presentations some attendees shared their own experiences with abortion and their choice; while others touched back on speeches- especially the misrepresentations in both public school and religious education systems.
From here, the group formed a few chants including “My body my choice. Her body her choice. His body his choice. Their body their choice” and “Not the church not the state, the people will decide our fate.”
Upwards of 30 people, led by Samek, marched from the YWCA building to Lincoln Square to stand and demonstrate support for women’s reproductive rights. The YWCA also provided a table for voter registration, where local Gettysburg College students volunteered to assist people in the process.
Samek’s goal for this rally was to provide a platform for like-minded individuals to come together and show their support for those affected by the federal overturning of Roe vs Wade.