by Xochitl Campos
Daily Lobo
"My body, my choice," was the theme Saturday afternoon at a rally on civic plaza.
The rally was held in commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision in 1973.
Speakers addressed the topics of abortion and the control a woman has over her body.
"It is a women's health issue," said Nancy Scheer, co-president of the New Mexico American Association of University Women. "This should not be something that is legislated but something between a woman and her doctor and her family."
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"We are here to motivate and activate pro-choice New Mexicans and to make their voices heard this legislative session, because we have several anti-choice bills made to undermine Roe v. Wade," said Giovanna Rossi, the executive director of the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League Pro-Choice New Mexico.
Rossi said it is important that abortion rights supporters in New Mexico show their support for this issue.
"It is a fundamental right for me to choose, and whether or not I choose to use that right is neither here nor there," she said.
Speakers talked about the lack of comprehensive sex education programs in schools.
"Sex should be expressed with respect, responsibility and joy," said speaker Patricia Davidson. "Abstinence-only curriculum is what is being taught, but it is a bad idea that has to be removed."
Other speakers at the event were Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, state Rep. Mimi Stewart and Attorney General Patricia Madrid.
"Our challenge is to keep young women and young men actively engaged in this debate'" Madrid said. "Let's not return to the dark ages."
Two laws will be proposed in the 2005 legislative session.
One in the House of Representatives, bill 111, is known as the Unborn Victims of Violence Act.
It would make abortion illegal and punishable as voluntary manslaughter of an unborn child if performed.
