TEXARKANA -- The potential overturning of the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision motivated two pro-choice groups to rally in downtown over the weekend.
Nearly 20 members of Pro Choice TKX gathered Sunday afternoon near the federal building downtown to voice their support of abortion rights. The group distributed copies of "Pro-Choice With Heart" handbooks, stating that Black, indigenous people of color, disabled people and the poor have historically been victims of injustice.
"The loss of Roe will only further this harm," the book states. "This is nothing new for marginalized communities."
The book goes on to state that "abortion isn't a women's rights issue, it's a reproductive injustice issue."
"We cannot claim to be intersectional if our activism is not reflective of that."
Pro Choice TXK argues there are three possible consequences should Roe v. Wade be overturned:
1. So-called "backstreet" abortions would result in injuries and deaths.
2. Miscarriages would become subject to investigation to ensure that a crime hasn't been committed.
3. Decisions regarding abortions will be left up to the states.
The spokesperson and founder of Pro Choice TXK, who would only identify herself as Ash H., said the group was formed in September 2021 after the Texas Legislature approved Senate Bill 8, which limited abortions to no later than six weeks after pregnancy.
"That's too early because many women may not even know by then if they are really pregnant," she said.
On Saturday, the newly formed Bans Off Our Bodies held a pro-choice rally near the federal building. About 25 people participated.