Women’s March in Taos Advocates for Rights and Resistance
On Saturday, January 18, approximately 50 individuals rallied in Taos Plaza for a Women’s March, facing the chilly weather and the pressing concerns surrounding women’s reproductive rights, immigration policies, and various social issues during President Donald Trump’s second term.
This march recalls the first National Women’s March held at the onset of Trump’s presidency in 2017, which mobilized millions across the United States.
Call to Action
“This is not a time when we can lay down and go to sleep,” proclaimed Patti Morris, the organizer of the Taos Women’s March. “There are many challenges ahead that could harm us all, and if we don’t stand up and speak out, nothing will change, and change is essential.”
Reflections on Past Challenges
Josie Lenwell, a speaker at the march and a member of Code Pink—a feminist anti-war organization established in 2002—shared her experiences from the 1960s and ‘70s. “Women had very limited rights, but I truly realized their impact after marrying in 1970,” Lenwell recalled. “With marriage came significant loss of freedom. My body autonomy, especially regarding reproductive health, now required my husband’s approval, and I wasn’t even allowed a credit card without his signature.”
Lenwell illustrated how married women’s financial independence was often disregarded. “When it came to renting or purchasing a home, my income was not considered valid, as I was seen as potentially pregnant,” she explained. “I risked my job if I became pregnant.”
Marital Rights and Decisions
Lenwell further explained that even basic decisions in marriage often fell under a husband’s purview, as spousal rape was only criminalized in 1993. “The concept of no-fault divorce only emerged in 1971,” she noted. Despite their mutual affection, she and her husband never discussed their views on parenthood.
Having never wished to become a mother and facing health issues with her husband-approved birth control, Lenwell sought a tubal ligation. Although they maintained a friendly separation in 1971, her husband was reluctant to grant her a divorce.
Legal Hurdles and Reproductive Rights
Lenwell reminisced about the progress made in reproductive rights, particularly after Roe v. Wade in 1973, which solidified women’s right to make choices about their bodies. “After overcoming many obstacles, I finally received approval for my tubal ligation, but I still required my husband’s signature—even as a separated woman,” she said.
“Additionally, I had to submit a notarized statement ensuring that no future partner could sue the hospital for the procedure,” Lenwell highlighted.
Current Legislative Concerns
Lenwell pointed to a concerning House Resolution 7 introduced in the 119th U.S. Congress, which could require women to seek approval from husbands, fathers, or religious figures for access to birth control methods, sterilization procedures, and IVF treatments. “The resolution prioritizes religious-based medical practices yet relegates women’s health and autonomy to secondary status,” she emphasized.
“This trend threatens to transfer our reproductive rights back to male decision-makers. We should also be wary of politicians who criticize women’s ability to pursue no-fault divorces, indicating a broader agenda against our freedoms,” she noted.
Voices of Solidarity
As participants marched around the Plaza, they raised their voices in support of immigration rights, transgender rights, and expressed deep concerns regarding climate change and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“I have been part of women’s marches and various rights movements since the 1970s,” stated Chris Fairchild, a fellow demonstrator. “Even though I participated in a larger march in Santa Fe eight years ago, I find it hard to remain hopeful given the current political climate. But I will fight on until the midterm elections.”
Message of Persistence
Other notable figures at the rally included Diana Davies, a minister from the Unitarian Congregation of Taos, along with a musical performance by Christine Autumn.
In conclusion, Morris inspired the crowd saying, “The next 1,459 days of the Trump administration will be filled with resistance. This is the beginning of our fight—resistance in every aspect of our lives, including our work, our education, our art, and our music. As Ella Baker once said, ‘We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes.’”
