ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Hundreds of anti-abortion activists rallied today in St. Pete for their March for Life
It’s the second such rally since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe V Wade in June of 2022.
And some counter protestors from the pro-choice movement – also showed up to get their message across.
Shouts signs and a showing of solidarity
Organizer for the March for Life, Scott Mahurin, says the message is simple.
“The message is life is precious and that all life from the moment of conception should be protected by love and by law”
Hundreds of pro-life advocates marched from Pioneer Park to City Hall in St. Pete
Sue Mason says she’s proud to see the support from the community.
“Life is precious and that women are hurt during abortion”
Marchers young and old braved the colder temperatures carrying signs and handmade posters adorned with anti-abortion slogans.
Father Curtis Carro says its inspiring to see so many familiar faces in the large crowd.
“It’s great to look around, and everyone that is here is involved in other things. Crisis pregnancy centers and foster care and adoption”
About a dozen counter-protestors also joined the march, carrying their own signs concerning protecting a woman’s right to choose.
Beth Weinstein says abortion rights need to be protected and government needs to be left out of that decision.
“That’s a decision that needs to be made between a person, their doctor, and their own family, those whose decisions are important. It’s not up to someone’s political beliefs or religious beliefs.”
Weinstein says protecting abortion rights is critical, especially with so many surrounding states passing more restrictions.
“So, if we were to overturn abortion and go to a 6-week ban, it would make it nearly impossible for women and pregnant people to get the essential medical healthcare that they may need”
Floridians may have an opportunity to vote on what kind of abortion protections or restrictions the state should have, if a ballot initiative makes it to the fall ballot.
Scott Mahurin hopes his supporters will show up strong to vote against the amendment.
“When it comes to amendments that are pro-abortion, we are going to oppose those as one voice.”
While Justin Pita says he’s confident that the measure would pass with strong universal support.
“That will be push it to not only be legal, because its already legal, but keep it legal so we don’t have any issues down the road of it being restricted or banned.”
Currently as it stands, Florida has a 15-week abortion ban in place, although that will be challenged in the state Supreme Court.