The Mesquite Online News - Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Planned Parenthood demonstrators appeal to Congressman Hurd

A group of 18 Planned Parenthood demonstrators rallied at Texas A&M University-San Antonio March 29 to send a message to Republican Congressman Will Hurd that they support women’s reproductive health and rights. Hurd rents an office in the Patriots’ Casa Building but was not available for comment.  

Arriving mid-morning, demonstrators wore pink “I Stand With Planned Parenthood” T-shirts and held signs as part of national “Pink-Out” Day.

Pink Out Day, a national effort for reproductive rights calls on supporters to “show their defiance against the relentless attacks on Planned Parenthood,” according to the Planned Parenthood website.

There are three Planned Parenthood Centers in San Antonio. House Bill 2, passed in 2013, required all facilities in Texas performing abortions to meet hospital-like standards. In June of 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Texas’ restrictions. Still, demonstrators say, Parenthood continues to be threatened.

Mary Posada, director of communications of Planned Parenthood South Texas, said in an emailed statement, “Today is Pink Out Day and people across the country are showing their support for Planned Parenthood online, in their local communities, and at a rally and lobby day in Washington, DC.

“Today is also a reminder that the fight is not yet over,” Posada said. “We know that politicians and opponents will continue their political attacks and continue trying to ‘defund’ Planned Parenthood.  Each time they try, we will be back in full force. We will never stop fighting for the 2.5 million people who count on Planned Parenthood each year.”

Demonstrators said they are pushing back against politicians in Congress who are pushing to repeal the Affordable Care Act and initiating legislation to de-fund Parent Planned Parenthood Centers.  

A communications assistant with Congressman Hurd’s office said earlier today he was in a meeting and could not be reached for comment.

Demonstrators said they came to campus to talk directly to Congressman Hurd. They arrived at the campus entrance at University Way and Highway 410, but according to Communications Assistant Cavett McCrary, were invited to enter the campus grounds rather than stand on the side of the highway.

Several said they were appreciative of the opportunity to see the campus and talk directly with the media about Planned Parenthood.

After taking photographs outside the building, the group walked to the second floor of the Patriots’ Casa and took photographs outside Hurd’s office.

Anne Alley, 53, a Planned Parenthood supporter, said she received primary health care and cancer screenings before from Planned Parenthood.

“They were there for me, so now I’m here for them,” she said. “It’s important we share ourselves,” she said. “Planned Parenthood is almost constantly under attack.”

Unable to locate Congressman Hurd to address him directly, the group assembled in front of local media outlets and shouted, “what do we want? Health care. When do we want it? Now!”

Then, demonstrators formed a quiet circle outside the Patriots’ Casa and shared why the organization is important to them.

Kathryn Hancock, 62, a retired educator said, “He’s our politician and needs to hear that.”

“Everyone needs to have the option of starting their family when they want.”

Joe Saenz, 34, a  small business owner offered his testimony to the group.

“It’s important to be with people. It helps you know you’re not alone and lets others know they’re not alone,” he said.

“We want Will Hurd to know how important Planned Parenthood is,” said Janet Oglethorpe, 62, an instructor at Gold’s Gym. “Every day there is this threat of defunding it and we want Will Hurd to know how important Planned Parenthood is.”

Oglethorpe said when her daughter was 17-years-old she  took her to Planned Parenthood where they detected early cervical cancer and treated her immediately. Now she’s 26-years-old and healthy.

She said she thinks it’s mostly important for the many low-income women who can’t afford a private physician.

The closure of Planned Parenthood facilities “could be devastating for a lot of people,” she said.


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About the Author

Gabriela Rodriguez
Gabriela Rodriguez is a reporter for The Mesquite and a junior at Texas A&M University-San Antonio where she studies communications with a minor in business. Gabriela wrote previously for The Ranger at San Antonio College. She is a recipient of the 2016 SPJ scholarship and has a passion for writing. Gabriela hopes to use her skills to establish a trustful relationship with readers and inform them about what goes on in their community at all times.

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