The “Bans off our Bodies” protest, led by pro-choice activist Rachel Carmona, provided a public outlet for the anger of abortion rights activists. While polls show that most Americans want to be able to have an abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy, the Supreme Court’s leaked draft of a new abortion law suggests that the court will leave the decision up to state legislatures. If the court overturns Roe v. Wade, roughly half of the states are expected to outlaw the procedure.
Pro-choice activists organized rallies outside the US Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. on Monday night. The number of rallies was up to 380, ranging from Maine to Hawaii. But the largest demonstrations are expected in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. On June 25, abortion rights activists are planning a large demonstration at the Washington Monument, and are planning rallies in other cities.
The group’s members have already faced charges related to a 2020 blockade of an abortion clinic in Maine. Lauren Handy, a prominent abortion rights activist, is also being investigated for possessing medical materials from the clinic. Despite the lack of a clear plan, protesters remain hopeful that their message will be heard. The United States Supreme Court is scheduled to hold a hearing on the issue on Tuesday, June 25, and is likely to rule in favor of the rights of women and men.
Protests have fueled debates about the rights of women to have abortions. However, there is a more positive way to see these protests: as a means of educating voters and ensuring that their voices are heard. Pro-choice advocates are working to ensure that the Supreme Court’s June 25 decision stays in place. However, critics will likely point out that this may not be the best place to make a statement about Roe v. Wade, citing historical precedent.
While the Supreme Court’s June 25 ruling could lead to a significant increase in legalized abortion in the US, many anti-abortion advocates have expressed concern that it could have negative consequences for abortion clinics in other countries. For example, Colombia, a Latin American country, recently expanded access to abortion. However, the Vatican and US bishops have called for reflection and healing after the decision.
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, the battle will continue in state capitals, Washington, and at the ballot box. Other high court rulings protecting gay sex and same-sex marriage are also being challenged, and one justice urged his fellow justices to overturn them. The decision was controversial and provoked outrage across the country. In fact, at least 25 states are expected to introduce new laws to restrict abortion.
While the Supreme Court’s recent decisions demonstrate a conservative stance, it also signals the court’s ability to act quickly and decisively. This year’s judicial appointments show a majority of conservative judges – including John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh – and this trend is expected to continue. A conservative, pro-abortion conservative like Chief Justice John Roberts, who did not vote to overturn Roe, did support Mississippi’s abortion ban, but did not vote to overturn Roe.