Local & Community
Dozens Rally in Beaumont for Women’s Reproductive Rights
“We can’t go back, this has been a right since 1973,” said Brenda Olivares, a resident of Palm Desert. “We shouldn’t be going backwards in time. We should be going forward.”
As federal judges prepare to hear arguments over state abortion laws, thousands across the country are rallying cries for women’s reproductive rights. The battle for reproductive rights reached Riverside County, with many gathering in solidarity with those affected by the restrictive Texas abortion law. Dozens of Coachella Valley residents rallied in Beaumont on Saturday.
“Today, we’re protesting specifically the Texas bill that bans abortion past six weeks,” Kathleen Ballew, the Women’s March event organizer. “It sets a precedent that we’re not going to accept.”
What is considered the nation’s most restrictive bans on abortion became a law in Texas. Under Senate Bill 8, the state bans abortions after six weeks, with no exceptions for rape or incest. Anyone who performs or aids a patient with an abortion can also be sued.
“It’s horrible. To me, it’s just people trying to control the women’s bodies,” said Olivares. “We have a place in society and we have a right to our own bodies.”
One step forward, and two steps back- that’s how many are describing the new law, implemented nearly 50 years after Roe V. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that protects a woman’s right to have an abortion.
“That was what? 40, 50 years ago and I can’t believe we’re out here trying to do the same thing again,” said Stephanie Austin, a resident of Palm Springs. “I find it really somewhat sad to think that we are fighting for our own rights again after all this time.”
Now, people who fought for Roe V. Wade decades ago said they’re fighting for those same rights.
“I’m not telling you what to do with yours, so I don’t want anyone telling me what to do with mine,” said Austin. “I think I’m perfectly intelligent enough to make up my mind about what to do with my own body. I don’t really think I need some other people, especially a group of men to tell me what to do with it.”
“It’s so important for women to have access to abortion, and it’s healthcare, and it should be left up to a woman and her doctor, and people should not be getting involved in it,” said Olivares. “Men don’t have any restrictions on their bodies.”
People shouted and drivers passing by honked their horns in support. At the same time, protestors say many people were not in favor of their movement.
“The support is amazing,” said Tanya Tassi, a resident of Cathedral City. “There’s people who disagree and that’s their right to disagree, and I’m okay with that as long as it’s respectful.”
They said the fight for reproductive rights is a battle that rages on.
“We’re not ready to lay down. We never have been and we won’t do it.” said Ballew. “Our voices need to be heard and people are ready to hear them.”
By: NBC Palm Springs
October 2, 2021
Latest Instagram Posts
Meet Gavin, aka “Banana Boy”! The Coachella Valley Firebirds fan favorite stopped by Very Caliente to share how his love of Fortnite inspired his iconic Peely costume — and his signature dance to “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” on the jumbotron. And yes, we finally got to see the face behind the banana! #NBCPalmSprings #VeryCaliente #CVFirebirds #BananaBoy #CoachellaValley
The #NorteFire is spreading near San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. Fire crews are working to contain the blaze as conditions develop. Stay tuned to NBC Palm Springs for updates. #NorteFire #SouthernCalifornia #Wildfire #SanJuanCapistrano SanClemente NBCPalmSprings
Strong winds are expected across Southern California today, with speeds reaching 25 to 35 mph. Officials warn of possible falling trees, downed power lines and hazardous driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles. Southern California Edison says emergency crews will be on standby for possible power outages. If you see a downed power line, stay away and call 911. #SouthernCalifornia #CoachellaValley #WindAdvisory #PowerOutage #SouthernCaliforniaEdison NBCPalmSprings
Sordid Lives is returning to Palm Canyon Theater October 30 through November 15! Playwright Del Shores joins NBC Palm Springs’ Tod Macofsky to talk about the beloved production and its long history in the Coachella Valley. Want to see the show? NBC Palm Springs is giving away two tickets! Enter on the promotions page at NBCPalmSprings.com. #SordidLives #DelShores #PalmCanyonTheater #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley DesertEntertainment NBCPalmSprings
🗣️ NO KINGS DEMONSTRATIONS ARE COMING BACK TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY! Thousands of demonstrations are planned nationwide Saturday, including FIVE right here in the Valley. Organizers say the goal is to help eligible voters prepare for the polls and know their rights. 📍 Events are planned in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and Indio. Will you be hitting the streets this weekend? 👀 #NoKings #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Indio #CaliforniaNews
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. No Kings protests?
Now Open! The new Agua Caliente gas station on Highway 111 in Cathedral City is officially open. A new stop for drivers in the Coachella Valley. Have you checked it out yet? #CathedralCity #AguaCaliente #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprin
A fire broke out Thursday morning at the KESQ News Channel 3 station in Thousand Palms, disrupting its morning broadcast. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The fire has been extinguished, and restoration efforts are underway. Station leaders told NBC Palm Springs they planned to return to the air at noon. We’re glad everyone is safe. We’ll share updates as more information becomes available. #ThousandPalms #KESQ #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings
🚨 FIRE AT KESQ WHILE ON AIR! A fire broke out inside the KESQ news station in Thousand Palms around 5 a.m. this morning, forcing the station off the air. 🔥 The fire started in an equipment room where cameras and batteries are stored. Thankfully, NO ONE WAS INJURED. The cause and extent of the damage remain unknown as the station works to get back on air. ❤️🩹 #KESQ #ThousandPalms #BreakingNews #CoachellaValley
☕️Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Four or against daylight saving?