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Pro-Choice Rally
This gallery captures the scenes from the Pro-Choice Rally that took place in Evanston on October 15, 2023, showcasing the collective presence of supporters advocating for body autonomy and women's rights.
“I believe that we really need to protect our reproductive rights in Illinois, but also nationally,” said Casey Warela, one of the volunteers at the rally. “We're surrounded by other states that are no longer allowing abortions and I think it’s important that we remain a safe haven for people who are in need of these types of services.”
Pro-Choice Rally and March gathered dozens of people at Raymond Park on Sunday afternoon. All attendees were encouraged to wear pink colors to express support for women’s autonomy over their bodies. The organizer Gretchen Brewster wore a hot pink beanie in solidarity with the attendees.
Several elected officials attended the event. Among them was Major Daniel Biss who reassured the attendees that Evanston is doing everything to support women seeking reproductive health care. “No matter what we could do, we would find our own small ways to be a part of this critical battle for justice,” he said.
People who attended the rally brought a variety of posters expressing their support for abortion rights and their anger with the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the constitutional right to an abortion in June 2022.
Attendees were applauding following the end of the speech by State Rep. Robyn Gabel.
“This is a moment that's very fraught at the federal level, at the national level in the lives of so many people who are looking for justice,” said Gabel. “But I want to tell you, the people who are here today, you are here because you are not going to give up the fight. Right?”
Organizers prepared signs for those who did not bring their own. A variety of posters and slogans reflected the diversity of the crowd that came to the rally.
Reproductive Transparency Now was among the variety of organizations that had a tent at the event. Becca Battisfore, a representative of Reproductive Transparency Now, said she was there to inform people about their rights.
Two attendees exchange looks while people are getting ready for the march, which began on the corner of Lake Street and Chicago Ave.
Two girls expressed their support to the marchers from a window of Chapin Residential College. Lisa Battisfore, the President of Reproductive Transparency Now, called them to join the march.
Attendees walked south on Sherman Ave, closing the loop through Northwestern University South Campus and downtown Evanston.
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