ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — There was a renewed push on Saturday from a bay area catholic church to end access to abortion.

Church leaders organized a protest and march hoping state and national leaders hear their call to action. And not far away from them advocates hoping to expand access to reproductive care made their voices heard.

Anti-abortion supporters marched calling for the protection of unborn children against abortions. Pro-abortion advocates pushed back saying Florida’s abortion restrictions are already making it harder and more dangerous for women seeking reproductive care.

Tensions ran high in Tampa Bay this afternoon as protestors took to the streets, demanding an end to abortion.

“I believe in the dignity of life from conception to natural death.  So that’s what the Catholic Church and some of our Christian brothers and sisters who are here also believe in. And we want to just be a witness,” Anti-abortion supporter Teresa Peterson said.

But steps away, pro-abortion advocates counter.

“We understand that pregnancy can be a life-threatening condition,  and without access to abortion, and health care, women will continue to die. So, we’re here to march for them,” pro-abortion supporter Beth Weinstein said.
Weinstein is concerned some women are now being forced to carry nonviable pregnancies with limited medical options.

“Without it, women will continue to die. Without it, families will continue to suffer. Being forced to carry a child to term, that is not going to be viable,” Weinstein said.

Anti-abortion advocates, however, said this isn’t just about politics.

“It’s a double-sided issue. It’s a human rights issue number one despite what religion or faith or non-faith you have it’s human rights,” Pattie Berry said.
Saturday’s march may be over, but the fight continues, both sides said they will continue fighting for what they believe in.