Group Hits Streets of Wheeling To Protest Abortion Ruling – Wheeling Intelligencer
photo by: Shelley Hanson
A group of more than 100 protesters march past the City-County Building in Wheeling in support of abortion rights on Sunday.
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WHEELING — More than 100 people marched in protest through the streets of Wheeling on Sunday against the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding abortion law.
In June, the Supreme Court ruled in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that the United States Constitution does not confer a right to abortion. That overruled Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey and leaves abortion rights and restrictions to the states.
The group gathered at the Lowe’s store parking lot before making its way through Center Wheeling, passing the former Ohio Valley Medical Center building and pausing at the City-County Building. Protesters then marched toward the Wheeling Cathedral and then finished at Heritage Port on Water Street.
After passing the former OVMC, the group picked up a Wheeling Police Department cruiser escort since protesters were marching in the middle of Chapline Street.
The cruiser stayed behind the group, blocking any potential drivers from accidentally hitting them until they made their way to Heritage Port.
March organizer Donovan Long, a native of Wheeling, said the march was aimed at making people aware of many issues including abortion rights.
“I’m here to talk about and let people know of the injustices of our country and in our state,” Long said. “First with the abortion rights and with the gay rights coming, we have a lot to uncover and unpack today. I’m excited to be here.”
Long believes the abortion law issue has made people realize how the issue will impact other groups of people including transgender and nonbinary.
“It’s not that more laws are going to become, they’re already becoming. This with Roe vs. Wade is just unpacking a lot for everyone else to see … Look at the rights that have already been taken (like) children in sports,” Long said. “Black people still can’t walk around the streets and be safe.”
photo by: Shelley Hanson
Weirton resident Dr. Rachel Gilman, an obstetrician and gynecologist, holds a sign that states “I’m an OBGYN who believes in safe and legal abortions” during the protest.
Dr. Rachel Gilman, an obstetrician and gynecologist, of Weirton also participated in the march. She carried a sign that stated “I’m an OBGYN who believes in safe and legal abortions.”
“I’m protesting and bringing awareness of abortion as a fundamental right for women,” Gilman said.
Gilman said by marching she hoped to give a voice to women in the community. She also wanted to help be a voice for those who don’t think they have one.
“There’s a more vocal majority trying to outspeak us,” Gilman said. “So I’m letting people know it’s OK to come out and express yourself and support other people who think like you.”
Gilman said she has had some patients bring concerns to her about the change in the laws, along with concerns about future access to birth control methods. She is also concerned about how abortion law might change in neighboring Pennsylvania after the November election.
“I’ve reached out to some of my colleagues about, ‘how do we plan for this?’” she said.
Tiltonsville resident Aubrey Badger said she is mad about the Supreme Court decision. She said it will end up leading to other decisions that will impact more than just women.
Casey Dye, a Steubenville native who now lives in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, said there are many reasons women may need to get an abortion including for health issues and cases of rape.
“My daughter is 13 and has an intellectual disability, which makes her five times more likely to be the victim of a sexual assault,” she said. “It’s all about control, it’s not about babies.”
St. Clairsville resident Amy Dias said she wanted to march because she does not want her daughters to have fewer rights than she has had in her lifetime.
“I’m not saying everyone should have abortions. It’s about my daughters being able to make decisions to keep themselves healthy and alive,” Dias said.
Wheeling resident Denni Dowler believes the issue is about controlling women, not helping babies.
“If you believed it was about murder you would try 80 million different things (to stop it) other than ending Roe vs. Wade. It’s all about power and control,” Dowler said.
Brandi Duffy of Wheeling believes more rights are going to be taken away, noting the end of Roe vs. Wade “was just a starting point.” She is also concerned about women’s health.
“So many are going to die. Nobody cares about women’s mental health,” Duffy said.