Nags Head rally ends with call to action for upcoming election – OBX Today

The “Hear Us Roar in ’24” rally in Nags Head ended on a high note, as nearly 100 participants gathered in Dowdy Park to advocate for women’s reproductive rights on the eve of the second anniversary of the Dobbs decision that struck down a woman’s constitutional right to abortion. Despite a heat warning, participants were energetic, displaying homemade signs and chanting spirited slogans.

Organized by local activists and sponsored by the Dare County Democratic Party, Democratic Women of Dare, and Indivisible/OBX, the event featured inspirational speeches and calls to action from a range of candidates for state office, reproductive rights activists, and community leaders.

Susan Harman-Scott, a Dare County attorney and candidate for North Carolina Senate, described the current status of abortion law in North Carolina, which amounts to a 12-week restriction, and predicted that further, highly restrictive laws are likely to be passed depending on the outcome of the November election.

“Voters must stand up to preserve reproductive rights. In addition to abortion health care, we must ensure that access to contraception and IVF is not restricted, because these are also in the crosshairs,” she warned.

Janice Robinson, NC program director for Red Wine and Blue, and Susan Sawin, chair of the Dare County Democratic Party, delivered compelling closing remarks, urging rally attendees to take action before the election.

“This rally is just the beginning,” Robinson said. “We must turn our passion into action by mobilizing and voting for candidates who prioritize women’s rights and access to health care.”

Sawin echoed Robinson’s sentiments, saying, “Our votes matter at the ballot box. Let’s make sure our elected officials reflect our values ​​and fight for reproductive justice.”

The rally provided a platform for participants to voice their opposition to the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, and emphasized the importance of protecting women’s reproductive freedoms. With the November election looming, organizers and participants alike are motivated to continue their advocacy efforts and mobilize voters to support candidates who prioritize women’s issues.