BALTIMORE — "I am a woman and I have these rights. We are women and we have these rights. We are human and we have these rights." These are words two women sang in front of Baltimore City Hall on Tuesday evening for the "Stop Abortion Bans" rally.
Men and women of all ages filled the area holding signs to join in solidarity with the women in states where abortion laws have become stricter.
"It's an attack on women's right over all," said Raegan McDonald-Mosley, the Chief medical Officer for Maryland's Planned Parenthood. "The reality is the women’s access to this important health care service should not depend on her zip code."
She said now is the time to take a stand for women all across America.
"You need organization to change anything and organizing with like minded people is going to help change," said Felix Brown, an 18-year-old student at Baltimore City College.
Brown said she was outraged by the legislation and bills passed when it comes to abortion.
"I think women should have autonomy over themselves." This is the first time Brown's fighting for change.
"These policies are going to affect me in the future," said Brown. "I think it’s important for all young people to be involved in issues that affect them because you should have a say in what happens in your life."
Others who joined the protest on Tuesday have done this before, like Lindsey Beane.
"I’m 66 years old and we did this before. We did this in the 60s and 70s until Roe v. Wade was resolved. My generation has already fought this fight for equality for women and it’s not over," said Beane."As far as I’m concerned this has nothing to do with abortion this has everything to do with power and control over women."
Abortion is legal in Maryland, but Marylanders at this protest said things can always change.
"Our rights are safe for now, but that’s when elections happen and things can turn over in the drop of a dime," said Rashida Simmons.
Simmons had an abortion when she was 17. She said many people have abortions because of medical reasons and sexual assaults, but hers was for her mental health; she knew she wasn't ready.
"We had the option to say we want to do this the right way when we're adults," said Simmons. "At 17 we would have just been getting by."
Now she has two boys and is still with her high school boyfriend, now her husband.
