by WIP

Works In Progress was saddened to learn of the recent death of Lois Walker, local reproductive rights activist. Lois was a familiar sight at local protests, riding her bright red scooter and carrying a sign that said “Honk if you love birth control.” Although she was over 80, Lois was more energetic and committed than other activists a quarter of her age. She spent many hours picketing outside of Ralph’s Thriftway, in protest of the store’s refusal to carry emergency contraception in its pharmacy, as well as counter-protesting outside of Planned Parenthood when anti-choice picketers . . .

Lois Ashway Walker RIP. . .and thank you

Lois Ashway Walker RIP. . .and thank you

by Marit Knutson

As a Radical Women member, which is part of the Bay Area Coalition for Our Reproductive Rights (BACORR), I have been asked by many constituents – liberal and radical alike – why counter-demonstrate? First, why hit the streets on a “wedge issue” that further severs the beleaguered anti-war movement? And second, why restrict their freedom of speech? The religious and conservative out-of-towners will march and then leave, and their message will apparently have no impact since we are all progressives here.

Is this really the case though?

Counter-demonstrators protest the 2007 “March For Life” in San Francisco. (Photo by Marit Knudson)