WILMINGTON, N.C. — On Friday, abortion-rights supporters gathered in downtown Wilmington outside the courthouse to protest the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Lynn Shoemaker of Women Organizing For Wilmington said those in favor of abortion rights need to be louder than ever — especially in November.
“We must harness our collective anger, sisters and allies. We can’t afford any complacency,” Shoemaker said. “No longer can you think that one vote won’t make a difference.”
She said the most helpful way to take action is by taking to the polls.
“It’s gonna take every one of us on the ground,” Shoemaker said. “And when it’s time, it’s going to take every one of our votes.”
For Shoemaker, and so many others in attendance, the future after Friday’s decision is a scary one.
“This is just the beginning,” Shoemaker said. “They are coming after your birth control, they are coming after access to gender-affirming care, they are coming after your right to choose who you love and who you marry.”
Shoemaker was joined by speakers including state Rep. Deb Butler, the N.C. House Democratic whip who represents New Hanover County.
“They have kicked a sleeping giant, and here we are,” Butler said.
She’s hoping the hundreds of people in the crowd will make their voices heard.
“How long can you fight until you just get exhausted?” Butler asked. “Well, the answer is for as long as it takes, for as long as it takes, because that’s what advocacy is, it’s about being willing to plant those seeds for a shade tree under which you may never sit.”That’s why the crowd came together: not in anger, but to make a plan to fight for a future where they have a say in their rights.
The protest was peaceful and no anti-abortion protesters were present.
The Supreme Court ruling allows the states to decide whether abortions will be protected. Planned Parenthood expects 26 states to ban abortion; the procedure is still legal in North Carolina.
You can learn more about the Supreme Court decision's effect on North Carolina here.