WASHINGTON-
Protesters facing a US Supreme Court decision that could overturn constitutional abortion rights planned coast-to-coast rallies on Saturday to express their outrage — and to mobilize for the upcoming fight.
More than 380 events have been scheduled from Maine to Hawaii, with the largest gatherings expected in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and other major cities, organizers said.
In the nation’s capital, activists planned to gather at the Washington Monument before marching to the Supreme Court, which is now surrounded by a security fence.
Tens of thousands of people were expected to attend the “Bans off our Bodies” events, which provided an outlet for anger and frustration for abortion advocates after a leaked draft Supreme Court ruling suggested Roe v. Wade is lifted.
“If it’s a fight they want, it’s a fight they will get,” said Rachel Carmona, executive director of the Women’s March.
Polls show that most Americans want access to abortion — at least in the early stages of pregnancy — but the Supreme Court seemed willing to let the states have the final say.
If so, it’s expected that about half the states, mostly in the South and Midwest, will quickly ban abortion.
The upcoming verdict will energize voters and potentially shape the upcoming midterm elections.
Saturday’s rallies came three days after the Senate failed to gather enough votes to pass Roe v. to code Wade. Sponsors included the Women’s March, Move On, Planned Parenthood, UltraViolet, MoveOn, SEIU and other organizations.
Carmona said the fight will continue at polling stations, demonstrations and other places “until we fully restore our rights.”
“It is no exaggeration to say that this will be a summer of rage for the women of this country,” she said.
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