'Bans off our bodies': People march on the Granada bridge to defend Roe v. Wade

The Women's March in Ormond Beach was one of over 450 demonstrations taking part across the U.S.

By Jarleene Almenas
| 12:30 p.m. May 14, 2022

People march in the "Bans off our Bodies" rally at the Granada Bridge on Saturday, May 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Louisa Gralla, Judy Eaton and Mima Eaton take part in the "Bans off our Bodies" rally at the Granada Bridge on Saturday, May 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Rosie Perry and Cheryl Allen, both of Ormond Beach, take part in the "Bans off our Bodies" rally at the Granada Bridge on Saturday, May 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Nancy Theriault and Judy Rosentreter, of Daytona Beach, take part in the "Bans off our Bodies" rally at the Granada Bridge on Saturday, May 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

People march in the "Bans off our Bodies" rally at the Granada Bridge on Saturday, May 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Rita Press, of Ormond Beach, takes part in the "Bans off our Bodies" rally at the Granada Bridge on Saturday, May 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Nancy Neeb, of Ormond Beach, holds up a sign at the base of the bridge during the "Bans off our Bodies" rally on Saturday, May 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Virginia Atkins waves an American flag during the "Bans off our Bodies" rally at the Granada Bridge on Saturday, May 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

People march in the "Bans off our Bodies" rally at the Granada Bridge on Saturday, May 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Organizer Christina Quinn marches in the "Bans off our Bodies" rally at the Granada Bridge on Saturday, May 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

People march in the "Bans off our Bodies" rally at the Granada Bridge on Saturday, May 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

A woman dressed in a handmaid's costume takes part in the "Bans off our Bodies" rally at the Granada Bridge on Saturday, May 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

People march in the "Bans off our Bodies" rally at the Granada Bridge on Saturday, May 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Ormond Beach Observer
News

A woman raises her fist in a crowd gathered at the base of the Granada Bridge in Cassen Park. She begins a chant: "Women's rights are human rights."

About 200 people participated in a "Bans off our Bodies" Women's March in Ormond Beach, one of over 450 events happening on the same day throughout the country to defend abortion access and Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme court ruling that gave women the liberty to have abortions without excessive government restrictions. A recent leaked draft opinion revealed the ruling could be reversed in the near future.

Daytona Beach resident Christina Quinn again organized this year's event; she led the Women's March rally at the bridge in October 2021.

She spoke to the demonstrators prior to beginning the march across the bridge, and said she loved seeing the diversity among the crowd — men, women, children.

"I love seeing everybody stand up for each other," Quinn said. "Because, here's the thing: If they take away women's rights ... then they are also not going to stop with that."

Quinn told the demonstrators that she chose never to have children, and she's never had an abortion. This march isn't for her, she said, but for girls like her 13-year-old niece. It's about teaching girls like her to stand up for their rights, Quinn said, and preventing them from perhaps one day seeking an illegal abortion out of desperation and risking their lives.

"I don't want that for her," Quinn said. "I don't want that for your children, your grandchildren, or anybody, because I'm not leaving this world backwards from where it used to be."