Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 there has been a strenuous discussion over women’s rights. Downtown Tyler is no exception to this as the Women’s March took place on Oct. 6 to protest for women’s choice to abortion and women’s rights to be prioritized. Women, men and children went downtown to continue the same marches that happened in the past when Roe v. Wade was first enacted in 1973 to protect women’s rights and choice.
“I honestly believe that our country, that democracy for real, is at stake. I believe that women’s rights, human rights, civil rights, everything that we have fought for. I’m 65, I’ve been doing this literally my whole life. I marched for Roe v. Wade,” said Cindy Caudle-Dean, a Democrat activist. “It’s the money and the ego, and I think our country is literally at risk.”
Even though efforts took place to fight for equality, after the 2016 election it almost feels as if everything was completely undone. This has left many women, including myself, questioning how much power one man truly has if they hold a high enough position.
A flag was held that copied the style of the Gadsden flag. Not once was the flag brought down during the march, sending a symbolic message.
One major voting issue for the upcoming 2024 election is the stance on abortion. Texas currently has an abortion ban in the Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 170A, that was passed in 2022, where a doctor could be subject to legal repercussions for providing an abortion, according to Chapter 170A.004. This punishment can range from a fine of $100,000 to being charged with a felony. An issue lies in confusion over the sub clause that as long as a doctor uses reasonable medical knowledge and believes it would be necessary to save the life of a mother, then an abortion can take place. But this is left up to interpretation and has no set guidelines.
The Texas Tribune in June 2024 said it was not until recently that the Texas Medical Board was willing to define when a doctor can do a procedure under the Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 171A. These guidelines consist of required documentation that must be filed, definitions and supposedly defines the requirements of a physician. But the only true requirements being said is that the physician must be licensed and that they must make the subject aware of precautions. Even after these guidelines were given, many doctors are still uncertain when the line is drawn on when to save a life and when they would face consequences.
“I heard someone who had a friend. She was a teacher and she had a like a her daughter’s friend had was going through a miscarriage, and she was just bleeding and bleeding and bleeding,” said Madeline Gibson, a candidate running for precinct three county commissioner in Wood County. “I could just imagine suffering; that her and other women that have been going through this over, you know, I mean, pretty much over the country. That have been suffering and just because we don’t have a penis, right?”
Chants were used throughout the entire march.
The Women’s March had multiple guest speakers taking the stage ranging from candidates running for different positions, women who are activists and a 10-year-old boy who took a stance saying he knows better than to tell a woman what to do with their body. This has women questioning why the government is able to control what happens over women’s bodies and where the limitations stand. Especially when we talk about the politicians making decisions rather than licensed medical professionals deciding what should and should not be done.
For many affected by this law, this is their first election to vote. It is one of the most important elections when it comes to setting a precedent as one of the presidential candidates is a woman. Kamala Harris has seen the struggles of women and has vowed to legalize abortion like Roe v. Wade did. Voting in this election is the best way to get your voice heard and to have those in power understand how important the topic of women’s choice, closing the wage gap and achieving equality truly is.
“Go vote. Your voice matters. And because you know democracy is it’s a very fragile thing, and it takes all of us to keep it alive,” Gibson said. “People like you, younger people, have more at risk than I do.”
In-Person Voting Dates for Smith County
Oct. 21 – First Day of Early Voting by Personal AppearanceNov. 1 – Last Day of Early Voting by Personal AppearanceNov. 5 – Presidential Election
Locations and times in Smith County available at smith-county.com/government/departments/elections/current-election-information