Silent protest held at Lake Ponca

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Silent protest held at Lake Ponca

Wed, 07/06/2022 - 03:02
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The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) overturned Roe v. Wade, a case that for nearly half a century provided a constitutional right to an abortion. Prior to the SCOTUS decision, a draft opinion was leaked in May that sparked protests and marches across the country, including two within the same week in Ponca City.

In the leaked draft, penned by Justice Samuel Alito, it was stated that the Constitution makes no reference to abortion and no such right was implicitly protected by any constitutional provision. Alito was supported in this opinion by Justices Clarence Thomas, Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch. Roe v. Wade was overturned in a 5-4 vote on Friday, June 24.

Many states had trigger laws that would go into effect following the SCOTUS decision, and some had passed prior to June 24 including Oklahoma with Governor Kevin Stitt signing a law banning abortions from the moment of conception. This new law bans abortions with the only exception being for when a mother’s life is in danger. There are no exceptions in case of rape or incest under this law.

With the recent overturning of Roe, protests have continued. One such protest was held on Monday, July 4, at the Ambuc Park at Lake Ponca prior to the fireworks celebration. The event was organized by Devyn Mitchell, 19, who felt compelled to put something together after seeing the news of the SCOTUS decision.

“After Roe v. Wade was overturned, literally that day, I started looking for protests in our area where we can speak up to help people see that we will not go quietly,” said Mitchell. “We’re not going to let our rights be taken away and watch as people who we didn’t even vote into office make decisions that will affect us for the rest of our life.”

Mitchell started to organize a protest by messaging people on Facebook. The group had water, ice and coolers donated by Central Café for use at the protest.

“We are all hurting over it, it is not something simple, it is not an easy fix. An overall ban is only going to stop safe abortions, not abortions in general. So I hope that people can learn to see that in our area,” said Mitchell.

The protest also had volunteers on hand to help people register to vote with a sign reading “If you are mad enough, come vote.” Mitchell has cited voting as something that the group wishes to emphasize and states that people worry too much about political parties instead of voting for candidates that best fit voters.

“The things that we are seeing here are ultimately done by people we didn’t vote for, but the people that we do vote for have so much of a say in what we get done in our communities. That’s state, country and citywide,” said Mitchell. “You need to be involved in your elections, look up the candidates, and decide who fits you best.”

Mitchell predicts more of these protests and marches continuing between now and November and silent protests at various events.

Mitchell is also planning to keep volunteering at events to help get more people registered to vote

“That is the biggest push that we’re making, register to vote and go to the polls. Vote for your senators and representatives, that’s what we’re pushing for now.”