Regan Garner held a 4-foot-tall cutout of Rick Scott’s head on the Plaza of the Americas on Tuesday.
A piece of paper reading “this oppresses women” covered Scott’s forehead while about 75 people protested his signing of Florida House Bill 1411.
The bill revokes taxpayer funding for health clinics that provide abortions, including Planned Parenthood.
Garner, a member of the steering committee for the Gainesville chapter of National Women’s Liberation, said she paid about $50 for the cut-out from Target Copy.
During the protest, demonstrators held signs reading “Stop the War on Choice” and “Not my clinic.” About seven people spoke about their experiences receiving abortions, birth control and other contraceptives from Planned Parenthood.
Emily Calvin, a UF law student, wore a button reading “dues-paying feminist.”
Calvin said she organized the demonstration to draw attention to the bill.
“This bill affects our choices and our autonomy and our freedom,” the 28-year-old said. “This bill is a violation of our freedom.”
Women could visit other health care centers instead of going to nonprofits such as Planned Parenthood, Calvin said. However, such clinics do not provide abortions.
Florida is referring women in Alachua County to Azalea Health for dental care and Palms Medical Group for primary care.
Hazel Levy, a UF biology professor, said the recommended clinics will not serve women’s needs.
“A Pap smear is not a gynecological exam,” she said. “(Scott’s) taking from these not-for-profit clinics.”
Across from NWL supporters, about 25 students with Catholic Gators stood in a semi-circle to pray.
Carol Buydos, a UF biology senior, led the group in a rendition of Hail Mary.
Some held signs reading “Pray to end abortion,” while others held rosary beads.
“We’re here to pray for the souls of the children who won’t be born,” the 20-year-old said.
The Dean of Students Office, supported by the University Police, oversaw both protests.
Rosie Richeson, a regional organizer for Planned Parenthood, said Florida residents need to stand up to politicians.
“Their public image, that’s what they truly care about,” the 25-year-old said.
Although the semester is coming to an end, Calvin said she hopes students will continue protesting the bill.
The law goes into effect July 1, but the NWL is organizing a social media campaign in which women are asked to film themselves being denied an abortion or other service.
Calvin said it’s important for women to have unrestricted access to health care.
“We want men to share equally in that responsibility, and that includes Rick Scott,” she said.
@ceostroff
costroff@alligator.org
