BY ELAINE LOK
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Detroit native Sylvia Inwood chairs the Green Party of Michigan and has been a member since 2001.

This summer she spoke on behalf of the National Women's Caucus of the Green Party of the United States at a rally at Grand Circus Park in Detroit.

The June 30 rally was organized by the Detroit Action Network for Reproductive Rights and was formed in part to protest South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds' approval of an anti-abortion bill in March. The bill, HB1215, bans all abortion except to save a woman's life.

"It is crucial to speak out and let our government know when we oppose its policies. If we don't ... then our silence gives ... consent," says Inwood, 52, a performing vocalist who works for a nonprofit institution.

QUESTION: Why are abortion rights important to you?

ANSWER: Women have the right to decide whether they will carry a pregnancy to term. While avoiding unwanted and unplanned pregnancies is the best option, sometimes even the most reliable methods of birth control fail. Overturning Roe v. Wade would be one more step back into the Dark Ages. No woman enjoys making that choice, but all women deserve the right to choose what we will do with our bodies and our lives.

Q: If Michigan banned abortions, what do you believe the outcome would be?

A: There would be more deaths due to "back-alley abortions," more deaths of young women committing suicide over unwanted pregnancies, more unwanted and uncared for babies.

Q: What is the goal of the National Women's Caucus?

A: To ensure women's rights within the party and also to speak out for women's rights as an official minority caucus of the party. We issue press releases and statements regarding women's issues while standing in solidarity with oppressed women from all over the world.

Q: How did you become the chairwoman of the state's Green Party?

A: Two years ago I was asked to run for the position. The idea of a woman representing the state party appealed to me.

Q: How can women in Michigan get their opinions heard by politicians?

A: Some politicians hold town hall forums, so attending those and speaking up is a good option. Or running for public office.

Joining an organization that represents women's concerns would be great, too, because they work with politicians.