“I’m sick and tired that after almost 50 years we are back here in the rain marching to protect women’s reproductive rights,” shouted Indiana’s own Dana Black into the crowd at Indy’s Women’s March.
On Saturday, October 2, women across the state of Indiana appeared in front of the city-county building to march against the abortion law that passed in Texas.
The law prohibits abortion as soon as six weeks, when cardiac activity is detected. Since it has been passed, shockwaves were sent throughout the nation as the law allows citizens to sue abortion providers or anyone who provides assistance for one seeking an abortion. Detection of a heart beat occurs before most women even know that they are pregnant. This law rids the ability to have a choice or even make that choice safely.
The march in Indianapolis gathered people of all genders and ages to rally against the law. Dana Black, a Hoosier activist, spoke at the rally to encourage women to continue to show up to fundraisers and the voting polls to change the seats in the statehouse. As Black continued to speak, she broke down how the law can be perceived.
“It’s not about whether it’s a religious thing or a non-religious thing, it's about power. It’s about power. Because everyone knows there is no more powerful vessel on the planet than a woman,” Black said.
As signs took up the air and rain fell down, more woman approached the stage to discuss their experiences of abortion and the affect this law could have on others. These courageous women garnered conversations amongst the rally about the importance of clinics that offer the procedure. Charlie, a woman from Lafayette, took the podium to tell her experience and advocate for young women across the nation to feel safe and heard. Her voice echoed throughout the crowd as she told her story to be a resource for those in the same position.
“I was homeless and I was working three jobs, living off of potatoes,” Charlie said. “A situation happened and six weeks later I was presented with a choice and I thought I better make that decision fast because I believed that Indiana’s abortions were pretty restrictive back then. So I didn’t realize that that was privileged ignorance.”
Women of all ages were sharing their stories through speeches, conversations and their signs. Tina, a 30-year-old advocate for pro-choice, stated, “as an older woman I understand what this fight is about. Some people need to have an abortion for medical purposes. It’s no one's business what women choose to do with their bodies.”
The ripple effect of this law has sputtered and was emphasized during Saturday’s rally. Women are fighting for the right to choose as this restrictive law lacks care for safety. The inability to be safely assisted during a woman’s decision to terminate becomes an issue as those assisting would be breaking the law.
A Texan native, Taylor Adams, stated, “If we can’t make this choice, women’s safety is at risk. They might seek other ways to terminate.”
The reality of her comment was echoed as hangers were taped to signs to show the importance of being able to make a choice.
As legislators continue to pass laws, Indiana could expect more rallies that support a woman’s right to choose.
For privacy purposes, some women interviewed did not share their last name.
Indy Gay Market empowers queer scene in Indianapolis
By Abby Godsen | Dec. 4Big Gay Halloween is one market in a continuing series of installments, allowing local queer artists and vendors to showcase their work. The initial goal behind the creation of the first market in July 2021 was to expand upon safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community in Indianapolis.
Remembering the Holocaust Through Eva Kor
By Alyssa Work | April 26Antisemitism, or Jewish hatred, can be traced back to the third century. This racial hostility toward the Jewish community has been a consistent theme throughout history, and perhaps the largest and most well-known antisemitic period is the Holocaust. The Indiana Historical Society museum in Indianapolis is bringing awareness and remembrance towards the recent revival of Jewish hatred with their new exhibit, “Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana.” Eva Kor, Auschwitz survivor and Jewish activist, voices her experiences in the concentration camps and how these persecutions forever changed her life.
Islam in Indianapolis
By Sahar Abdullah | April 22Over the past month, Muslims around the world were unified through fasting from sunrise to sunset. Fasting is one the five pillars, or tenets, of Islam, alongside having faith in one God, praying five times a day, giving charity, and making the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia (if one is physically, mentally and financially able to). There are many Hoosiers who participate in Ramadan. According to Indiana Historical Society Press, Muslim sects have established themselves in Indianapolis as early as 1926. Today, a culturally diverse Muslim population calls Indianapolis home. At IUPUI, the Muslim Student Association (MSA), Pakistani Student Association (PSA), Middle Eastern Student Association (MESA) and IUPUI International Club have all hosted iftars— meals consumed when breaking the fast, traditionally starting with a date or water and in a group setting— over the past month.
