Prominent activist travels across Tennessee to fight for abortion rights

MEMPHIS — One of Tennessee’s most tireless advocates on the front lines of reproductive rights will begin a 538-mile trek across the state on Monday, Sept. 9. 26 Further dialogue on abortion rights.

“I think people are still processing what that means roe Fallen down, the government can now force you to have children,” said Francis Hunter, executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates in Tennessee, who will start walking from Memphis to Johnson City on Monday. “Few people expected this to be true. As it happens, most Tennesseans want abortion to remain legal. This pilgrimage is about showing love for the concept of body sovereignty, meeting people where they are, and starting a shared journey towards more compassionate abortion rights. “

Walk for Our Lives begins at 8:30am at 835 Virginia Run Cove in Memphis external Family Planning Health Center, and will end in Johnson City in November. 14. Key stops include a public event in Nashville in October. November 16 and Knoxville. 3.

Looking back at Lamar Alexander’s 1978 journey across Tennessee, Hunter would be the first woman of color to volunteer across the state, rather than belittle those who walked the trail of tears.

A longtime professional advocate for children and families, Francie Hunter held leadership positions at Stand for Children and Walk Bike Nashville before joining Planned Parenthood because she believes that “planning your parenthood is the most important thing for your child”. OK”.

An advocate for abortion rights, Hunter served in the Tennessee legislature for nearly a decade. At the height of the pandemic in the summer of 2020, when lawmakers passed a statewide abortion ban without exception late at night, she was arrested in the TN Senate for civil disobedience.

“In Tennessee, there’s a disconnect between what people say they want and how they vote,” Hunter said. “When you go out and talk to people, almost everyone wants the government out of the exam room, but they either don’t know what their state legislators are doing, or they never thought they’d follow through. This moment needs to be slow and steady. leadership to bring people together on the path to restoring abortion rights.”

For more information on how to get involved in Walk for Our Lives, visit bit.ly/walkacrosstn.

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