Pro-choice organizations protest the rejection of ballot petitions at the capital of Arkansas

Little Rock, Arkansas – Following Secretary of State John Thurston’s denial of ballot petitions pertaining to an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution granting the right to an abortion, numerous pro-choice organizations staged a demonstration at the State Capitol today.

To support their ongoing campaign for women’s reproductive rights, these organizations came together for a nonviolent demonstration.

“No one is here coming from a position that women should have abortions it’s more so the position that women should be able to have abortions if necessary or if needed,” Arkansas Feminist Coalition, President, Dahlia Daaboul said.

Statewide, women protested together with placards, banners, and speeches, standing up for what they thought was right.

“We’re just here to present the fact that women deserve to have the choice to have a medical procedure. I know that there are a lot of heated positions and people have their different religious beliefs but I do believe it ultimately comes down to choice and people having the autonomy to do what they want to do with their own bodies,” Daaboul said.

Against the Secretary of State’s decision to reject signatures on the ballot petition, claiming that the signatures did not comply with the November election amendment’s standards permitting abortions up to 18 weeks and, in certain cases, beyond.

“It’s been one that a lot of Americans have been extremely passionate about and after Roe v. Wade was overturned a lot of people felt especially defeated. So now, it is an imperative time to actually come out and stand up for what you believe in,” Daaboul said.

The Family Council Action Committee of Arkansas participated in the Decline to Sign movement, which opposed the amendment petition.

“We have always been for protecting and promoting the traditional family values. Protecting and promoting life. We believe life is precious and it’s something that to be protected,” Family Council Governmental Affairs Liaison, Charisse Dean said.

Family Council stated that they are content with the current state of the law.

“We are pleased at where we are when it comes to protecting life in Arkansas. Arkansas has been named the most prolife state in the nation for the last 4 years. We’re proud of that title and we’ll do what is necessary to protect life here in Arkansas,” Dean said.

People who support opposing viewpoints on the matter say they will keep pushing for them.