San Jose protesters denounce Republican-led attacks on mifepristone
San Jose, CA – On April 9, 15 protesters gathered in front of San Jose City Hall to denounce the Republican-led efforts to restrict the distribution and use of mifepristone, an abortion pill.
Speakers from the Freedom Road Socialist Organization spoke about the need for working-class political power to counter the reactionary politics of the capitalist state. They also established connections to attacks on women’s and LGBTQ rights to that of attacks on democratic rights.
The organization Students for a Democratic Society declared abortion to be healthcare. They called out the hypocrisy of the U.S. for its feigned concern for human rights violations abroad while it rescinds civil liberties at home. As an example, they cited the criminal charges against their fellow SDS chapter in Florida, the Tampa 5.
Attendee TJ McGee commented, “Banning abortion doesn’t get rid of it. People will be doing it illegally.” When asked about the current state of political affairs, McGee replied, “I’ve been stressed. They are trying to take our healthcare away. I don’t want to see anything happen to my friends.”
Others, like Aslan Rameriez-Bazzoti and Tyler McGee echoed similar sentiments about their frustration with the American capitalist government. Tyler McGee criticized, “I think it’s batshit insane that these old men politicians are trying to tell them what to do. The fact Roe v. Wade was overturned is insane.”