CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Over 20 local organizations put together the Defend Abortion Access rally Saturday in Daley Plaza where themes of defiance and hope rang through the large crowd.
"We hope that we will be the last generation to have to march and advocate for all women, nonbinary folks, transmen — access to safe and legal reproductive healthcare," one speaker told the crowd.
Planned Parenthood Illinois was among the organizations behind the rally. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton were a few of the local political leaders who were on hand.
Crystal Rosales was one of several women to take the microphone and tell the story of her abortion. She said restricting access will only put more young women and girls at risk.
"I wouldn't be here today almost three years sober and helping fight abortion stigma alongside all of you if it wasn't for the kindness and support and the resources I had when I was actually pregnant and needed it the most," Rosales said.
A small gathering of anti-abortion activists rallied across from Daley Plaza as Chicago police looked on.
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