Protests outside the Wilmington law office of State Senator Thom Goolsby are going to continue – at least for the near-term. Last Monday, protestors rallied to contest the Republican senator’s support of abortion restrictions. After Thursday’s passage of Senate Bill 353, members of the group behind the protest--Women Organizing for Wilmington, or WOW—say they’re determined to demonstrate every Monday.
Although more than 50 protesters, many sporting bright pink for reproductive rights, gathered to rally on Monday, Senator Goolsby’s office was closed. Lynn Shoemaker, a facilitator for WOW, says concerned constituents will return to the scene to communicate their views that hiding anti-abortion measures in unrelated legislation—such as motorcycle safety bills—harms women. Shoemaker says this next protest will likely draw a bigger crowd, and make a louder statement.
"I know some of the women plan to wear pink helmets; apparently they keep us safe."
Supporters of Bill 353 say that updating abortion regulations are necessary to protect the health of women and raise the safety standards of abortion providers. Shoemaker says the new restrictions would shutter 35 out of 36 clinics in the state.
"We’re not going away. In fact, I don’t want Ted Davis and Rick Catlin to feel left out—we intend to spread the love this summer."
Senator Goolsby, Representative Ted Davis and Representative Rick Catlin did not answer requests for comment by deadline.