Thousands of people demonstrated on Saturday in several cities in the United States, including Washington, to call for the defense of the right to abortion, blasted at the federal level this summer by the Supreme Court, and to unleash a “blue wave” democrat in the midterm elections in a month.
“We will not go back”, chanted the demonstrators, mostly women, holding up signs calling for a “feminist tsunami” and to “vote to save women’s rights” in the face of the conservative offensive.
“I don’t want to be forced to go back to another time,” Emily Bobal, 18, a student in Washington, told AFP. “It’s quite ridiculous that we still have to (protest) in 2022” to defend this right, she added, expressing concern that the Supreme Court is now attacking gay marriage.
“The majority of us are ready to come out and fight for democracy and for the right of people to dispose of their bodies, women and men,” said Kimberly Allen, 70, for whom the results November 8 mid-term elections will be decisive in terms of the protection of rights.
Many demonstrators wore armbands and green scarves, the rallying color of pro-abortion. Others waved huge blue flags (the color of the Democrats) crossed out with a “Vote” as well as wave-shaped blue signs symbolizing the surge they are calling for during the ballot.
Some counter-protesters urging to “find Jesus Christ”, and for which “abortion is tantamount to murder”, were booed.
Similar rallies have been held in New York City and Denver, Colorado, among others.
“The wave of women will pursue EVERY anti-abortion politician, wherever they live,” tweeted Rachel O’Leary Carmona, executive director of “Women’s March,” the main organization behind the protest, which urges to elect “more women.” and pro-abortion-rights candidates next month.
Elections will determine control of the Senate and House of Representatives. The Democrats, led by Joe Biden, want to place the debate on the defense of the right to abortion and democracy.
At the end of June, the Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to abortion. Immediately, a string of states led by Republicans banned abortions on their soil and many battles were launched in the courts.
In the latest development, an Arizona appeals court ruled on Friday that abortions could once again be performed in that state.