#StopTheBans rallies take on abortion laws
Nationwide protests fueled by string of recently approved legislation
Thousands of #StopTheBans supporters – fueled by fury over a string of state laws aimed at restricting access to abortions – rallied Tuesday across the nation in a powerful statement for abortion rights.
The American Civil Liberties Unions and NARAL Pro-Choice America were among the sponsors of the national day of action, featuring more than 450 events in all 50 states.
“Politicians, take notice: If you come for our reproductive freedom, you’ll have to get through ALL of us,” the ACLU said in a statement.
Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio and Mississippi have approved legislation that would restrict access to abortions in their states. Kentucky and Missouri are among states considering action.
Abortion foes hope that the Supreme Court, after the addition of conservative justices appointed by President Donald Trump, will back the measures and reverse or weaken the court’s landmark Roe v. Wade ruling.
Hundreds of protesters packed the high court’s steps in the nation’s capital Tuesday, toting signs that vowed to “protect safe, legal abortion” and putting lawmakers on notice their voices would be heard.
“We are not going to allow them to move our country backward,” U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., told the crowd, according to Reuters.
“To all the men who are here, we must wake up more men to join this fight,” said Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. “Not just because we have daughters and mothers and wives. But because this is an assault on human dignity, on freedom.”
More than 350 people rallied at the Nebraska Capitol in Lincoln, waving signs with messages of support for abortion rights and slamming groups in opposition.
Former state Sen. Brenda Council called some of the laws “despicable” and an attack on women’s autonomy.
In Cincinnati, dozens chanted, “Right to life, that’s a lie, you don’t care if women die” as they walked to the Hamilton County Courthouse.
Last week, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, signed a ban on abortions that provides no exceptions for rape or incest. “This legislation stands as a powerful testament to Alabamians’ deeply held belief that every life is precious and that every life is a sacred gift from God,” Ivey said.
President Donald Trump was among those unwilling to support the bill. He said rape and incest should draw exceptions.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp approved a ban on abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, typically six weeks into a pregnancy.