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North Okanagan women rally for reproductive rights

The group of 14, ranging from babies to seniors, held signs and marched from the courthouse

Standing in solidarity with their sisters from down south, a group of North Okanagan women rallied for their rights Monday.

The group of 14, ranging from babies to seniors, held signs and marched from the Vernon Courthouse, down 30th Avenue and to MP Mel Arnold's office June 24.

With a sign reading 'Protect Choice,' Salmon Arm city councillor Sylvia Lindgren came out to show her support.

"Today's the two-year anniversary of Roe vs Wade falling," she said of the historic decision to defeat a woman's right to abortion, which has been adopted in many U.S. states

"So we are here in support of them and hoping it doesn’t happen here," said Lindgren.

Event organizer Celia Nord, also from north Shuswap, is dismayed that reproductive rights are being stripped from females.

"It’s a shame women's rights are being rolled back all over the world."

Following in her feminist mother's footsteps, Nord organized the rally to keep the issue in the forefront.

This isn't the first time she, and other women, have had to fight for their rights. But she is concerned the issue may come up in Canada.

"Apparently there’s a few Conservative MPs that want to bring it (ban on abortion) back, which would be catastrophic."

A petition for safety and bodily autonomy for women is available at https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-4860.

 



Jennifer Smith

About the Author: Jennifer Smith

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