Hudson Valley Reacts to Roe v. Wade Reversal

By Miranda Reale

ALBANY – In response to the Supreme Court decision issued last Friday that effectively overturned Roe v. Wade, protests around the Hudson Valley were fueled by individuals, businesses, and organizations. Seizing the moment to act. One Tivoli business balanced spontaneity and strategy. Thrift 2 Fight, a thrift store in Tivoli focused on the support of local grassroot organizations and community engagement, amplified the Capital Region’s protest last Friday.

Residents in and around Red Hook and Tivoli were invited to gather at the storefront on Broadway to make posters and organize rides to Albany. Without a fee for those who did not have any means of transportation, co-founders Masha Zabara and Jillian Reed provided them with a means of getting there. With their leading principal as advocacy with an emphasis on action, the store is known to capitalize on moments that require a fight.

The event was organized by Planned Parenthood, who called it a vigil for the loss of Roe v. Wade, “To really mourn the lack of freedom that half the citizens in this country are going to be losing,” said Chelly Hegan, the CEO of Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood. Those in attendance carried signs aimed at the Supreme Court, with some reading “abort the court”, the night was filled with impassioned anger dressed in red.

The ruling now means that individual states will now determine abortion access. “It’s absolutely wrong to do this after so many decades of it being law. I’m thankful that I live in New York State because we have a governor that cares about women’s reproductive health,” Sandra Soroka said, who came to Albany to protest the decision.

Gathering at West Capitol Park, hundreds came together to fight for pro-abortion rights, but they were met with challengers as well. The Catholic Bishops of New York State issued a joint statement, including Bishop Edward Scharfenberger of the Albany Diocese. “With the entire pro-life community, we are overjoyed with this outcome of the Court. However, we acknowledge the wide range of emotions associated with this decision,” the statement read. Local protests and rallies in opposition to the court’s decision met pro-choicers with their own call to action.

According to Thrift 2 Fight founders and supporters, Friday’s protest was only the beginning of a long road that will involve continuous action reliant on individuals and groups coming together.