Vice President Kamala Harris rallied the crowd on April 15 at the Women’s March in Downtown Los Angeles. (photo courtesy of Women’s March)

In response to a Texas federal judge’s April 7 decision that placed the availability of the so-called “abortion pill” mifepristone in question, Women’s March Action organized a large-scale rally in Downtown Los Angeles on April 15. The event brought not only local officials like Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, 3rd District, it included a surprise visit from Vice President Kamala Harris.

“We are strong when we understand that you got to know what you stand for to know what to fight for, and we stand for our Since the U.S. Supreme Court handed down the decision that overturned Roe v. Wade last June, California and Los Angeles-area legislators have worked to protect reproductive health. But Los Angeles Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, 5th District, pointed out in her rally speech that the federal judge’s decision crosses state lines.

“They want people here in California to ignore what they’re doing to women across the country,” Yaroslavsky said. “They tell us that as long as we stay here, we have nothing to worry about. That is, in a word, bullshit. Tell that to the judge in Texas who just weeks ago attempted to block access to medically safe abortion for every single person in this country. The reality is that my life, my daughter’s life and your lives are connected to the lives of women in Florida, and Wisconsin and Tennessee.”

Bass echoed Yarokslavsky in her speech.

“We belong to each other. And each of us is only as strong as the woman next to us with these recent decisions, even in our state, we could be impacted,” Bass said. “First they ban procedures, and now they want to ban medication. What is wrong with them?”

Other speakers included Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) and attorney Gloria Allred, along with many local leaders. Women’s March Action executive director Emiliana Guereca said that the march was overwhelmingly successful.

“The surprise visit of [Vice President] Harris and Mayor Karen Bass gave us more fuel and energy to continue the fight for reproductive rights across the country,” Guereca said. “We are clear that we will continue to fight for reproductive rights with fierce and unrelenting determination. We cannot allow our rights to be taken away or restricted in any way, shape or form.”

Horvath spoke to the situation from the vantage point of a county representative.

“While the courts and media cause confusion about access to medication abortion, L.A. County is clear: we won’t go back,” Horvath said. “Los Angeles County remains an abortion safe haven, where everyone’s right to safe, comprehensive, culturally-competent healthcare – including abortion – is protected.”

In addition to Women’s March Action, the Iranian Circle of Women’s Intercultural Network, California Latinas for Reproductive Justice, National Women’s Political Caucus and Planned Parenthood L.A. all participated in the rally.

“Reproductive rights are women’s rights. Period,” Guereca said.