Just hours after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade and returned the abortion question to each state to decide, Alaska abortion activists sprang into action.
Across the state they are planning a series of meetings to brainstorm how to maintain the status quo when it comes to killing unborn babies in Alaska.
While the Supreme Court decision on June 24 does not directly impact Alaska in an immediate way, it does remove one of the greatest federal obstacles to enacting pro-life legislation on the state level.
The Alaska Supreme Court, however, has interpreted the state constitution as guaranteeing a right to abortion, even though the Alaska Constitution does not specifically address that issue. Abortion activists want to ensure that Alaska’s courts hold the line, regardless of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.
“In Alaska, access to abortion is protected by our state constitution,” the ACLU of Alaska’s Advocacy Director Mike Garvey stated in an email to supporter on June 24. “And we are focused on making sure it stays that way.”
Abortion activists fear that Alaskans may vote to approve a statewide constitutional convention this November, which would give the people a chance to amend the state constitution and address judicial selection, abortion, gun rights and much more.
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Garvey claimed a constitutional convention would “imperil abortion rights in Alaska if voters elect to hold one.”
Over the next few months, the ACLU and Planned Parenthood will work to oppose a constitutional convention for this very reason. They have several events set for Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks and Homer.
On Saturday, June 25, the Juneau Pro-Choice Coalition took a less cerebral approach to defending the ability to kill unborn babies. The group held a protest titled, “We Won’t Go Back.” Angry activists rallied at the Dimond Courthouse, where they were encouraged to scream into megaphones, wave signs, blow kazoos and pound on drums.
For those who want to find out what tactics pro-abortion activists are planning for the future, here are links to their upcoming strategy meetings set for July 9.
— Juneau
— Homer
