The Reproductive Rights Rally will be held on the sidewalk in front of the historic Haywood County Courthouse on Main Street from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14. Guest speakers will begin at 12:30 p.m.  

The Supreme Court draft leaked a majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that overturns Roe v. Wade. If overturned, it would reverse almost 50 years of precedent and end federal constitutional protections for abortion. Twenty-six states could move to ban safe abortions. 

“An abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. It is a basic healthcare need for millions of women, girls and others who can become pregnant," said Heather Hyatt-Packer, event organizer. "Regardless of whether abortion is legal or not, people still require and regularly access abortion services. But when governments restrict access to abortions, people are compelled to resort to clandestine, unsafe abortions, particularly those who cannot afford to travel or seek private care. Preventing women and girls from accessing an abortion does not mean they stop needing one. That’s why attempts to ban or restrict abortions do nothing to reduce the number of abortions, it only forces people to seek out unsafe abortions." 

Participants are asked to show up at the rally at noon on Saturday and wear black. Signs are encouraged for the peaceful protest.