Protest to defend abortion rights to take place in city centre

“OVERTURNING Roe V Wade reduces women to little more than incubators. It sends a clear message to women everywhere; ‘we’re coming back to remove the rights your grandmother fought for.’”

That’s the powerful statement from three North East women’s rights and social justice groups as they get set to hold a huge abortion rights demonstration in Newcastle city centre.

Women’s Street Watch, Women’s Banner Group and North East Against Racism are calling on members of the public to join them at Monument on Sunday, July 10, as they protest against the overturning of Roe Vs. Wade.

The US Supreme Court overturned the ruling last week, ending the constitutional right for women in America to have an abortion that has been in place for nearly 50 years.

Now, campaigners are set to show solidarity with American women at the protest which will take place from 2pm to 4pm.

A spokeswoman for the three groups organising the event, said: “If you’re as angry and fed up as we are, then please bring posters, placards, drums, and your loudest voices.

“Anyone who cares about body autonomy and women’s rights must stand in solidarity with American women, who have lost the right to make vital decisions regarding their own bodies.

“Overturning Roe V Wade reduces women to little more than incubators.

“It sends a clear message to women everywhere; ‘we’re coming back to remove the rights your grandmother fought for.’

“We don’t have time to fight battles we’ve already won once before.

“This week, we saw another young woman, Zara Aleena, murdered in the street on her way home from meeting friends.

“Once again, we’re seeing commentary focused on why Zara was walking home alone in the middle of the night, instead of why women are still not safe on our streets.

“This is where we should be focusing our energy.

“It feels like we’ve taken 10 steps back.

“Feminists everywhere are rightfully outraged, and we’d love to see a whole load of you there.”