Protestors of all ages line Veterans Parkway in dissent against Roe v. Wade decision

Demonstrators stand beneath the Planned Parenthood sign in Bloomington. (Photo courtesy HOI ABC)

By HOI ABC

BLOOMINGTON – Generations of protestors gathered along Veterans Parkway against the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn landmark abortion case Roe v. Wade.

From a mother holding her baby to Kathy Todt, who was in her 20′s when Roe v. Wade was originally decided, they all agreed that they never believed the decision could shake out this way.

“I am absolutely astonished that we are here… it makes me cry,” Todt said. “It’s such a horrible thing to happen, and I don’t really think they understand all the consequences that we’re going to get into.”

Just outside the Bloomington Planned Parenthood facility, the protestors made their case to drivers on the busy road, cheering for each honk. There were no counter-protestors present at this demonstration, but there’s a stark divide between the pro-choice and pro-life response to the ruling.

Pro-life organizations have seen it as a victory for unborn children. In an earlier interview, Amy Gherke of Illinois Right to Life hoped the decision would lead to more restrictions on abortion in the state down the road.

Right now in Illinois, the Supreme Court decision does not change anyone’s ability to access an abortion. Roe v. Wade was essentially codified into state law in previous General Assembly sessions. Those laws could change barring a shift in power in the Illinois General Assembly, where Democrats currently have a vast majority in both chambers.

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