Taking It to the Streets
Within hours of the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe versus Wade, women and their male allies gathered in a park near my house. I was proud of the turnout [of how many people came].
There were pre-teens, teens, and women with babies in their arms. Females of various ages, races, and classes, as well as religious and non-religious people, stood together. Government officials spoke on behalf of reproductive freedom. Most inspiring was our refusal to be silent or passive.
I wanted to offer a hopeful perspective. I took an old t-shirt and printed on it in large bold, black letters, “Catholics for Choice.” I did this for the females who know in their hearts that the all-male hierarchical Catholic institution does not speak for them. I wanted all women’s experiences to be visible and considered.
It was good to connect with and listen to the women, to be part of a unified sisterhood in a project we all cared about. I passed out flyers so that we could stay in contact.
Stamford, Connecticut, USA
Reprinted from the RC e-mail discussion list for leaders of Catholics
(Present Time 209, October 2022)