Planned Parenthood to Rally Against Anti-Abortion Amendment

To raise awareness about a proposed amendment to ban public funds for abortions, an "I am Choice" rally is set for Saturday at Planned Parenthood, 8950 9th St. N., in St. Petersburg.

In May 2011, the Florida Legislature approved a measure that would ban public funds going toward abortions unless the law conflicted with federal law or if the mother's life was in jeopardy.

In November the public will vote on Amendment 6. 

"This is a pro-choice rally," said activist organizer Kofi Hunt. "It's not going to be like a protest or demonstration, it's a positive rally supporting feminism, choice."

'I am Choice' organizers say this kick-off rally on Saturday is to bring to light the unnecessary restrictions being put on women if this amendment is approved by the public in November. 

"Amendment 6, put forth by the Florida legislature, would modify the Florida State Constitution to take away women’s privacy rights, bans private health insurance policies for paying for end of pregnancy procedures for public employees, enables previous decisions made in Florida courts protecting women’s privacy rights to be overturned, and further restricts women’s access to end of pregnancy medical procedures.

The rally celebrates a woman’s right to choose, right to have medical procedures in safe medical facility, and right to same privacy protections extended to men, so people understand what is being taken away if Amendment 6 is not defeated."

Guest speakers will include Wendy Grassi, Director of Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood of Southwest/Central Florida and Toni Van Pelt, National Board Member for NOW, as well as local slam poets Liz Prisley and Mona Leza.

If you go: 

• 5 p.m. Saturday at Planned Parenthood, 8950 9th St. N.