Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Protesters march for ‘heal, not repeal’ of ACA
More than 120 people gathered at the Historic Chester County Courthouse
WEST CHESTER >> Architect Thomas U. Walter would have probably smiled at all of the commotion this week in front of the Historic Chester County Courthouse that he designed.
Saturday’s rally for women’s health rights was the fourth demonstration at the historic courthouse in the past four days.
More than 120 men, women and children heard speakers rail against possible changes to health care, recount personal stories and urge participants to call and write their elected officials.
As part of a busy week, the historic courthouse was the site of an anti-hate rally on Wednesday. Protesters met outside U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello’s, R-6, office Friday. And, like they have for more than a decade of Saturday mornings, both the American Sheepdogs, supporters of American troops, police and first responders, met caddy-corner, at High and Market streets, from the Chester County Peace Movement.
At Saturday’s rally, protestors held up dozens of home-made signs.
Signs reading, “Healthcare is a human right,” “Heal don’t repeal ACA,” “Save the ACA, a Healthy America is a great America,” “Everyone needs safe choices,” and “Women’s rights are human
rights,” were all held high.
Co-organizer Erin Rodgers told the upbeat group that she was not a paid protester or paid organizer.
She and others spoke of Senate Bill 3, which was passed by the state Senate on Feb. 8, and proposed House Bill 77, which the state House is now considering. Gov. Tom Wolf has vowed to veto any such bill.
The Senate bill would criminalize abortion after 20 weeks and does not have an exception for rape, incest or fetal anomalies.
“All of us will be hurt by this legislation,” Rodgers said.
Westtown neonatologist Jack Guida told the crowd that women often don’t find out that a fetus has a “horrible defect” until the 20th week.
Rodgers implored demonstrators to stay involved.
“We educate ourselves about the issues,” she said. “We pay close attention to real news and primary sources, filter out all of the fake news that too easily distracts us and (do not) participate in spreading fake news.”
She also distributed a fact sheet listing email addresses and phone numbers for 19 elected officials and a sample script of what to tell representatives.
Co-organizer Beth Sweet, of West Chester, said that every American should have the right to health care.
“I believe women’s health care is not a political issue, and women can make their own health care decisions,” Sweet said.
Like many other activists, Downingtown Mayor Josh Maxwell wore a pink “pussy hat.”
“I think it’s important that men get engaged and listen to women about their health,” he said.
Washington politicians have talked about dismantling the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and defunding Planned Parenthood.
The ACA is not perfect, but what Republicans have offered seems like it’s going to harm, said Phoenixville resident and activist Lisa Longo.
The ACA is not perfect, but what Republicans have offered seems like it’s going to harm, said Phoenixville resident and activist Lisa Longo.