Crystal Eudaly, of Karns City, waves to passing motorists during an abortion rights protest on Main Street on Sunday in Slippery Rock. A counter protest was conducted on the opposite side of the street. Joseph Ressler/Butler Eagle

SLIPPERY ROCK — Honking horns and shouting motorists along Main Street sent forth praise and venom to both sides of a peaceful protest and counter protest regarding abortion rights.

Morgan Seles of Slippery Rock stood alongside about 25 others holding signs supporting a person’s right to body autonomy with an emphasis on abortion rights.

“This is a hard time for us, but change can start small,” Seles said.

Two groups represented the pro-abortion rights side of the street, Slippery Rock Chalk Talk and Slippery Rock Huddle.

Seles said they weren’t expecting a counter protest, but they were not intimidated by one either, though she pointed out that a couple of members across the street were carrying guns with them.

Colleen West, of Slippery Rock Township, counter-protests while nearby the groups Slippery Rock Chalk Talk and Slippery Rock Huddle protest for abortion rights on Main Street on Sunday in Slippery Rock. Joseph Ressler/Butler Eagle

Justin Green of Slippery Rock wore a tactical vest and had a rifle slung around his shoulder. He said his goal was not to intimidate those on the other side. He said having served in the military, he fought and believes in the right to peaceful protest.

However, Green said he arrived with a rifle in hand because he was concerned about possible escalated behavior after hearing some reports that the pro-abortion groups had protested in a disrespectful fashion over the Fourth of July weekend.

Green said he feels the other side is taking the issue out of context by claiming that all abortion has been made illegal by the recent Supreme Court decision.

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