Topline
Pro-abortion rights protestors marched in Washington, D.C. and other areas Saturday to oppose the Texas ban on near-total abortion and raise concerns about Roe v. Wade's future.
Protesters attended the Rally for Abortion Justice Saturday in Washington, DC. Getty Images for Women'sMarch
The Key Facts
Rally for Abortion Justice participants met in D.C.'s Freedom Plaza at midday Saturday ahead of a planned march to the Supreme Court. This event was reminiscent of the huge Womens March that took place one day after the inauguration of former President Donald Trump. Reuters reported that protestors also gathered in Austin and other Texas cities on Saturday to oppose the strict abortion rules that went into effect last month. Women's March organizers say that rallies are being planned in more than 600 cities across the country, including New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Important Background
Saturday's protests were partly sparked by a Texas law that prohibits abortions after six weeks. It also allows private citizens to sue anyone who assists or aids in abortion. The Supreme Court did not overturn the law last month and allowed some of the most severe restrictions on abortion in almost 50 years to go into effect in September. Advocates for abortion rights fear that the 5-4 decision of the Supreme Court, which didn't rule out Texas law being overturned in the future, could lead to a wider rollback of abortion access. It also could threaten Roe v. Wade (the 1973 landmark decision that ended state-level abortion bans). The Supreme Court will be considering a Mississippi law that would ban most abortions within 15 weeks. This could pose a challenge to Roe V. Wade.
Photos
Protesters participate in the Rally for Abortion Justice, Washington, D.C., on Saturday. AFP via Getty Images
Protesters gathered at the Rally For Abortion Justice stage on Saturday. Getty Images for Women'sMarch
Protesters carrying signs gather in Washington, DC ahead of a planned march towards the Supreme Court. Getty Images for Women'sMarch
A few abortion access protestors held signs in front the Supreme Court on Saturday.... [+] In advance of a larger planned march towards the nation's highest judiciary, AFP via Getty Images
Protesters hold signs for Rally for Abortion Justice Washington, D.C. AFP via Getty Images
Protesters march in Austin, Texas on Saturday. This is where one of the most restrictive abortion laws in America in decades was implemented. AFP via Getty Images
On Saturday, protestors rallied against the Texas State Capitol's anti-abortion laws. Getty Images
Tangent
The Washington Post reported that several dozen counter-protesters showed up at a March for Womens Justice morning faith gathering.
Surprising Fact
Demonstrators marched from Trafalgar Square towards the U.S Embassy in the United Kingdom. This was an event organized by Abortion Rights in Britain as a gesture of solidarity with American protestors.
