Wed 10/2
Hundreds of Ohioans gathered on the Statehouse lawn this week on the first day the general assembly is back in session to let legislators know they don’t approve of the increasing restrictions on women’s access to health care.
Dubbed We Won’t Go Back Ohio, and organized by two Cleveland women, Cindy Demsey and Lana Moresky, and Kathy DiCristofaro from Trumbull County, the rally’s attendance was estimated at anywhere from 350 (almost certainly low) by the Plain Dealer to 700-800 by those involved. 500 is probably close to accurate.
Women — and supportive men — of all ages came from around the state to wave signs and listen to speakers, including Stephanie Kight from Planned Parenthood Ohio, Kellie Copeland from NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio, Petee Talley of the AFL-CIO, Terry O’Neill of the National Organization for Women, Sarah Hutchinson of Catholics for Choice, and Ellie Smeal of the Feminist Majority.
Their overall message was similar: that legislators should not play doctor and dictate what kinds of health-care choices women can make.
This was made particularly vivid by Cleveland obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Lisa Perriera, who came to the podium cradling her 2 ½ week old son — a reminder that every child deserves to be born into a family where it’s wanted and can be properly cared for. She talked about the particular folly of limiting late-term abortions, primarily performed due to medical complications. She said she now has to advise such women to leave the state.
After she spoke, the event’s MC, former congressional candidate Sharen Neuhardt, presented her with a “onesie” hat said “This is what a feminist looks like” — green, to avoid gender stereotypes.
More than a dozen state legislators came by to show their support, including Kent’s Kathleen Clyde, Columbus’ Tracy Heard, Connie Pillich of Cincinnati, Bob Hagan and Capri Cafaro of Youngstown, Chris Redfern (also state Democratic Party chair) from Catawba Island, Athens’ Debbie Phillips, and Cleveland area legislators Mike Foley, Nickie Antonio, Kenny Yuko, Sandra Williams, and Nina Turner. Turner — who is running for secretary of state — created a buzz when she arrived; she’s clearly a star in the making.
Also present were a number of candidates including Michael Wager, running for Congress in the district east of Cleveland, and Jill Miller Zimon, Michael Houser, and Anthony Fossaceca, all candidates for house seats in Cuyahoga County. Former Ohio first lady Frances Strickland joined the legislators on stage before going out to mingle with the crowd.
The rally concluded with Cleveland jazz/R&B singer Pat Harris regaling the crowd with several tunes, including a rousing singalong “I Am Woman.”
