Planned Parenthood supporters rally in Colorado Springs

A group rallied in full force on Saturday at the intersection of Garden of the Gods and Centennial, right down the street from where November’s shooting tragedy happened.

The rally was also in celebration of the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, which affirmed a woman’s freedom to make choices about her body and health.

Planned Parenthood has come under fire recently, after an anti-abortion group, Center for Medical Progress, released controversial videos targeting the non-profit.

More than 100 people who gathered for the rally say, however, Planned Parenthood’s services has changed their lives for the better.

“Planned Parenthood isn’t a single mission facility. They’re here to support women in all the choices they make,” said Connie Brachtenbach, a Planned Parenthood supporter. “I am a gay woman, I have two children, and I’ve used Planned Parenthood services not to end life but start life.”

“I think Colorado Springs gets a rap for being one particular way and that’s not true. We are a diverse community in terms of race, of politics, and faith, and I think that spectrum is important,” Catherine Grandoff said, with the Colorado Springs Feminists.

“We want them to know we have not forgotten them, we still support them,” supporter Irene Luckett added.