Anti-Planned Parenthood rallies were planned across the country Saturday morning in a call to defund the organization.
Locally, protesters met across the street from the Planned Parenthood on West Ridge Road in Greece. Many who were against the health clinic, like Rosanna Roberson, were mainly there because of their pro-life beliefs.
"That baby needs a chance. I've seen lots of miracles come out of people who have decided against abortions and I just feel like it’s something that’s worth standing up for."
Amy Rieck was also part of the anti-Planned Parenthood group. She believes funding should go to organizations promoting child care education.
"I think women that end up having abortions really feel like they’re out of options; they're out of good choices and they’re stuck. And if we supported women to be able to have their children, they could do so.”
The anti-Planned Parenthood group was met with counter protests. A group organized by local activists, Rochester Black Rose, arrived early Saturday morning to claim the space directly in front of the Planned Parenthood building, and wanted to advocate for the variety of services that the clinic provides.
Leslie Hannon held a sign saying she owes her life to the organization.
"I was in the late stages of almost having cancer, and they caught it just in time. I was uninsured. If it weren’t for going into that Planned Parenthood and having access to that healthcare I wouldn’t have caught that in time, and I wouldn’t be here to be a mother to my 3 kids that I have now."
The scene at the corner of West Ridge Road and Harvest Drive was loud, as those calling to defund the organization gathered to pray on one side of the road, and those in support of Planned Parenthood chanted and used megaphones.
A second protest formed down the road where protestors gathered along Route 104 in defense of Planned Parenthood.
Jaclyn Richard, president of Rochester’s National Organization for Women said the importance of Planned Parenthood comes down to its services that educate and provide access and choice to those who might not be able to afford other health care options.
Richard helped organize this rally outside of Senator Joseph Robach’s office to urge lawmakers to support the Comprehensive Contraceptive Care Act.
"If people want to cut down the number of abortions, they have to make sure we have contraception because it’s not going to work any other way."
That act would ensure that employers put in their health insurance that women get full contraception coverage.