Nearly 5,000 protesters joined lawmakers and supporters of women's rights on Saturday to rally against the proposed bill that would cut funding for Planned Parenthood by 40 percent.
Images
In response to the bill's passing through the U.S. House of Representatives last week, the protesters gathered in Foley Square in front of the New York City Supreme Court. Protestors gathered to attempt to sway the Senate's vote, which is scheduled for next week. The crowds cheered, "Tell the folks on the hill, don't mess with my birth control pill!"
Former Bikini Kill singer Kathleen Hanna spoke at the rally about her experience with Planned Parenthood as a punk rock 19-year-old on tour with a painful infection.
"Planned Parenthood took me in with only $12 in my pocket, and I didn't have to sideline my dreams," she said.
Several NYU students were also present at the rally.
"Everyone seemed energetic and passionate," CAS sophomore Megan Quinn said. "I learned more about just how many people are affected by the legislation to cut Title X funding."
Mayor Bloomberg denounced the proposed cut last week on a conference call, stating that the plan was "politically motivated."
"The most troubling thing about this piece of legislation is that it attacks basic health care for women," Planned Parenthood spokesperson Erica Sackin said.
According to the New York State Department of Health, about 800,000 women would lose basic health care services if the amendment is passed.
A group of NYU students, many in the NYU Socialist Club, attended the rally together.
"People were starting to fight back," Jason Farbman, a CAS graduate student and the treasurer of the NYU Socialist Club, said. "The more powerful message was, 'We need to fight and we're going to keep fighting."
Many who were at the rally had direct experiences with the organization.
"I've definitely taken a friend there for emergency contraceptives before," said Mariah Mills, a young woman who attended the rally. "I have health insurance, but I feel safe to know that it's there if I need it."
What many people don't realize, Sackin said, is that Planned Parenthood's mission is to provide free sex education, cancer screenings, visits to the obstetrician and gynecologist, HIV tests and STD treatments for low-income women who cannot afford health care.
"Most of the women who come to us have no health insurance," she said. "We're their main provider, free of charge. If we lose funding, it would be devastating."
