[View the story "West Virginians rally for reproductive rights" on Storify ]West Virginians rally for reproductive rights An inquiry into the state's two abortion clinics has spurred action. Storified by AJAMStream · Tue, Aug 20 2013 14:10:46
Pro-choice advocates in West Virginia
rallied on August 20 to protest an
inquiry into the state's two
abortion providers . Attorney General Patrick Morrisey's
effort to investigate the clinics has some
fearful that West Virginia may soon face harsher restrictions on abortions.
Demonstrators gathered in the West Virginia Capitol Building's rotunda:
And here's a view from the 2nd floor o the Rotunda: http://pic.twitter.com/Z83TKbMtWztwitter.com
#standwithwvwomenthekateykate
#StandwithWVwomen and put health and safety above politics! http://www.wvgazette.com/Opinion/OpEdCommentaries/201308160140 #AGgonewild @WVFREEMorgan MenesesSheets
physically in Boston but the rest of me is rallying in WV #standwithWVwomenMelaniesRole
038.jpgWVFREE
Catholics #standwithWVwomen because women should be able to follow their conscience when it comes to #reprohealth. http://www.salon.com/2013/08/15/west_virginia_could_be_the_next_abortion_battleground/Catholics for Choice
All Above All Badge.pngWVFREE
The backlash began after the Attorney General turned his attention to the clinics on June 17, 2013:
Today, we sent letters to 2 clinics that provide elective abortions in WV to begin assessing state abortion regs. http://bit.ly/14FXv8zAG Patrick Morrisey
One Twitter user felt this effort didn't fall under the Attorney General's responsibilities:
@WestVirginiaAG DO YOUR ACTUAL JOB. You are not the regulator of abortion. You have no say whether it is legal. Go back to DC for that.Em
At the Capitol, many came armed with signs, chants, and t-shirts to oppose the Attorney General's actions:
"Hey hey ho ho, Patrick Morrisey's got to go!" Is the chant in the #standwithWVwomen crowd. #AGgonewild @MorriseyWVWV FREE
A few women wearing this shirt. They're also passing them out (selling them?). Reads "Socking it to the system." http://pic.twitter.com/WK0Xv1fKnntwitter.com
One clever sign: "WV may be open for business but my business is not open for WV". Another: "Patrick Morrisey is a Gynotician"Dave Mistich
One unique sign out in the crowd. Many others have the #istandwithwvwomen slogan and #AGgonewild hash tag. http://pic.twitter.com/SqcwgvlVW8twitter.com
Men came out in support of the action as well:
I'm terrible at estimating numbers and fractions but, I'd say at least a third of those at this #AGgonewild rally are male.Dave Mistich
RHTP's Chris Olah is taking a #standwithWVwomen because everyone who needs it should have affordable abortion care. http://pic.twitter.com/4596dVFkQltwitter.com
Others support the Attorney General's efforts, both at the rally and online:
I see only two signs in opposition. One: "courageously ABOLISHING ABORTION" @LarryWFaircloth standing beside the woman holding it.Dave Mistich
Proud to #stand4life with @WestVirginiaAG as he does his job! #WomendeservebetterJacki Ragan
@WestVirginiaAG, thank you for protecting women and the preborn! #Stand4LifeLily
Error
Sorry, your comment was not saved due to a technical problem. Please try again later or using a different browser.