Dozens turn out for ‘Reproductive Rights Rally’ in downtown Bend, latest protest of Roe v. Wade ruling

(Update: Adding video and comments from the rally)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Since Roe v. Wade was overturned last month by the Supreme Court, marches and rallies have been taking place all across the country, several of them in downtown Bend. Six people organized a "Reproductive Rights Rally" Tuesday night, attended by dozens of people.

The group gathered at the "Peace Corner" at the corner of NW Greenwood Avenue and Wall Street.

I asked people about their frustrations.

"I think it's ridiculous that it's 2022 and we're fighting for this," said Sadie Robinson, who attended with her daughter, Chase Robinson. "I just think that for my daughter and her friends growing up that they shouldn't have to deal with this. This shouldn't be happening."

Margaret Anderson said, "We women who are older have fought so hard - so hard - to finally get Roe v. Wade in place, and to see it go away is just heart-wrenching. It's just heart-wrenching for my grandchildren, my granddaughters, and for all young women all over, especially those who don't have the means to go out of state to get an abortion."

I asked one of the organizers, Allison Wanichek, what can be done, beyond rallies.

"Beyond these rallies, I'm going to keep encouraging the people around me to register to vote, because again that's just how real change happens," Wanicheck said. "Just spreading what I know and factual information about what's going on, and what's happening in our country."

Two participants explained what they believe is at stake.

Tracy Rierder said, "I think rallies are important. We just can't stand by silently to let out rights disappear, and they are very quickly disappearing."

Anderson added, "We just need to fight for all freedoms, because this is just the beginning. You know, we're looking at gay rights and other people's rights being infringed on," Anderson said. "That's just wrong -- just wrong."