In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, advocates for reproductive rights gathered at the Mesa Theater in downtown Grand Junction on Jan. 23 to officially launch a campaign aimed at enshrining reproductive rights in the Colorado Constitution.
Organized by Coloradans for Protecting Reproductive Freedom, the event brought together community members, Colorado Mesa University (CMU) students and activists from various organizations to raise awareness and gather support for the cause. The diverse coalition aims to amplify the voices of those who believe in a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body.
“I feel like we are at a point in time where women and pregnant people should be able to decide what they are able to do with their own bodies, and we should not have people who do not share those experiences voting and making laws to prevent that,” sophomore social work student Kia Young said.
The campaign night was led by Lead Organizer for Cobalt Advocates Cidney Fisk and they had a clear objective: to secure the place of abortion rights within the foundational documents of the state. Fisk herself is from Delta and feels strongly about making a change in her own community, as well as across the state. Against the backdrop of the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, which has intensified the assault on reproductive rights nationwide, this initiative takes on added significance.
“Roe v. Wade was never enough. It was a glass ceiling that I wish we would have broken through. And it’s unfortunate to see how many people have been affected across the country with their lives, livelihoods, criminal records, all these things at stake. But I’m so overly proud to be in Colorado where we’ve passed bills every single year to enhance our protections and now we’re going to get abortion rights in the Constitution,” Fisk said.
The Mesa Theater buzzed with energy as attendees signed the petition, symbolizing their commitment to the cause. A musical ambiance further fueled the sense of unity, providing a backdrop for the community to come together in support of a cause that has far-reaching implications for women’s health and autonomy.
“I’m here because I believe that reproductive rights are something that’s super important for everyone to have access to. A lot of people think that it’s just abortion, but it actually extends to more than that. It’s birth control. It’s having your own bodily autonomy and having the right to your own body,” junior studio art major Rebecca McGaffick said.
One of the highlights of the event was the inspiring speech delivered by Mary Jane Maestas, a representative from the Positive Women’s Network, an organization dedicated to supporting women living with HIV and AIDS. Maestas emphasized the interconnected nature of reproductive rights and the importance of an inclusive approach that considers the diverse needs of all women.
“I’m here to tell my story. I have an abortion story that I want to tell and why I’m here, why this is so important. I want people to understand that reproductive rights are wonderful and great, but reproductive justice is where my heart lies,” Maestas said.
Colorado, historically a trailblazer in progressive policies, finds itself at the forefront of the battle to safeguard reproductive rights. As the nation grapples with the implications of Roe v. Wade’s reversal, this campaign seeks to ensure that people in Colorado can access essential reproductive healthcare without fear of legal repercussions.
In the face of mounting challenges across the country, the launch of this campaign marks a crucial step towards securing reproductive freedom in Colorado. As the movement gains momentum, organizers are optimistic that their collective efforts will result in a constitutional safeguard that reflects the values of the state and ensures that reproductive rights remain a cornerstone of women’s healthcare.
“It’s disheartening and it’s scary to know that there are parts of this country where people do not have the rights over their own body even in life threatening situations,” freshman photography student Anna Jones said.
Image courtesy of Kaydee Lucero | The Criterion
