Looking to show support for Planned Parenthood, several women spent the noon hour in downtown Jefferson City holding signs showing they "stand with Planned Parenthood."
The demonstration was part of a nationwide event called Pink Out Day meant to show support for the organization, which has come under fire by both state and national officials after undercover videos were released by anti-abortion activists. The videos show Planned Parenthood officials discussing the transfer of fetal tissue to researchers.
Earlier this week, Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster announced an investigation by his office found no evidence Planned Parenthood in St. Louis is selling fetal tissue from abortions, after a review of more than 300 abortions performed in June found all tissue had been properly incinerated.
"They have been vindicated," said Sue Gibson, organizer of Tuesday's demonstration and a board member of the National Organization for Women. "They've been viciously attacked."
Gibson and three other women stood at the corner of High and Monroe streets at noon wearing pink T-shirts and holding signs saying "I stand with Planned Parenthood" and "Stand up for choice." Though most passersby were silent as they walked or drove past, there were several people who indicated support for the organization before moving on with their day. Gibson said the group did receive "a little bit of hate," but most who said something spoke in support.
Gibson said the demonstration was meant both to show support and bring attention to the overall issue of women's reproductive health and rights.
"We know the attacks (on Planned Parenthood) are not going to stop," Gibson said.
But, she said, they wanted to show they are women with an essential right to health and liberty.
Wanda Thompson, who also demonstrated Tuesday, said not everyone feels free to stand on the street corner and share their opinion, especially when it's not widely shared in the community.
"There's a lot of hypocrisy," Thompson said. "Who's not using birth control?"
Just before the group began to walk down High Street, toward the Capitol, a fifth woman walked up wearing pink and shouted "me too!" as she joined the group to stand with Planned Parenthood.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.