Pro-choice supporters seize the day for Capitol Rally

author : Press release

by Press release

At noon on Thursday, Jan. 22, a celebration in honor of 36 years of reproductive freedom will be held on the steps of the State Capitol in Olympia. In previous years, the “March for Life” anti-choice rally has been held on these same Capitol steps, as well as nationally around the country, on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Last year, after organizing yet another counter-protest, Olympia activist Shizuno Wynkoop decided she’d had enough. “A friend of mine said, ‘Why are we letting people who oppose women’s freedoms and women’s rights take our day?’” In an act of reclamation, Wynkoop and her friend made the move to reserve the steps so Roe v. Wade, and the constitutional protection it declares for reproductive freedom, might be honored and celebrated. A major goal in creating this celebration will be “to put the focus back on the individuals who are affected most directly by freedom of choice—women,” said Wynkoop.

While “Freedom of Choice” has become inherently political, the usual platform of politicians and national pro-choice organizations will not be the main feature of this event. Instead, Wynkoop sees the rally as an opportunity for women, “those the issue is truly about,” to speak about women’s experiences. She explains that pregnancy and childbirth are not light decisions to be made by anyone but the woman affected, who must be respected and trusted to make the appropriate choice for herself, her family, and the times. She quoted an observation from Dr. Susan Wicklund’s book, This Common Secret, that “Women have abortions because they want to be good mothers.”

At the rally, abortion clinicians, early freedom fighters and women who’ve had positive abortion experiences will offer their perspectives on women’s health and women’s rights. The organizers also see a direct connection between the oppression of midwives and doulas and the destruction of women’s freedoms. “We want to represent, celebrate and reclaim the wisdom of these bearers of women’s sacred knowledge,” said Wynkoop.

All who support women’s rights and freedom of choice are invited to attend. In the Olympia area, contact roevwadecelebration@gmail.com or Shizuno Wynkoop (wyn-shi18@evergreen.edu) to volunteer. In Seattle, contact Radical Women (RWseattle@mindspring.com) to volunteer or carpool.