By Gari Voss
Allegan. Speak Up! will gather on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at the corner of Hubbard and Cedar (M40/M89) Streets. This will be an educational event to answer questions regarding Women’s Rights and Proposal 3.
Eddie Quinones-Walker shared, “Allegan Speak Up! was formed to provide a platform for Allegan residents to advocate for solutions to today’s important social justice issues. The organization was founded in 2020 out of frustration at the lack of visible advocacy and activism in the Allegan area. Our aim is to elevate the voices of those who are struggling to make themselves heard in our community.”
All are welcome to gather beginning at 2pm on the greenspace to present signs supporting Women’s Rights, especially those related to their health. The overall goal is to inform the public about the concerns of women as they watch others, often aging men, make laws related to a woman’s health.
At 3pm, the group will walk to the basement of the Griswold Auditorium. Entry will be from the parking lot at the back of the building. The group shared, “Local experts will speak about women’s rights related to health issues. In addition, questions will be answered concerning the mid-term elections – candidates and proposals.”
“Women’s rights are not an online trend,” stated Allegan, Speak Up member Liv Spicer. “Reproductive freedoms and bodily autonomy will be on the November ballot, both directly and indirectly.”
Related to Propositions 2 and 3, Spicer continued, “All the political rhetoric can become convoluted and create confusion. We aim to change that.”
Featured speaker Kim Jorgensen Gane, a candidate for the Michigan State Senate, will share her experiences while representing Michigan in Planned Parenthood’s Inaugural Class of National Storytellers. Her role included speaking to thousands of activists and donors across Michigan and traveling to Washington, D.C.
Jorgensen Gane is also a leader of NARAL’s Michigan Action Council and part of the Berrien County Raising Up Healthy Babies Taskforce and the Achieving Birth Equity Through Systems Transformation workgroup.
In addition to Jorgensen Gane, individuals who have been faced with health issues related to reproduction, whether from unexpected pregnancies, learning of a fetus that has defects, or emotional issues related to a pregnancy will share their stories.
State Representative Christine Morse will also speak about her personal abortion story.
“Those gathered may be surprised as to how women carefully monitor their physical, emotional and mental health to improve the quality of life for their entire family,” shared a presenter.
Several participants involved in similar rallies have expressed fears that the U.S. Supreme Court has not only struck down the rights given through Roe vs Wade, but has opened a terrible can of worms. Women are being denied the ability to have a private conversation with their doctors regarding their physical, mental and emotional state related to reproductive care. Women who have a miscarriage can be falsely accused of purposefully aborting a fetus and charged with a crime. Preventive care will be denied. Neighbors and friends cannot be trusted with conversations on sensitive issues.
In addition, there are the misconceptions regarding other laws that Proposition 3 may affect. Will it truly negate the laws surrounding a doctor keeping information from the parents of an underage child? Will a doctor not be able to be sued for malpractice?
What is the process an approved proposal follows before it becomes a written law?
Organizers have worked to provide a safe space for all who are looking for clarity and a place to ask questions and receive informative answers.
While at the Griswold, individuals can register to vote if they are not yet a registered voter in their current address.
Additional information related to “This Is Not A Trend” or about Allegan, Speak Up can be found at https:/bit.ly/AlleganSpeakUp. https://www.facebook.com/alleganspeakup