By Brendan Armstrong

NEW YORK — Angry New Yorkers from all across the city gathered in Washington Square Park with signs and chanting on June 24 to protest a U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned the landmark case Roe v. Wade and will return abortion authority back to states.

Erica, a New York local and a long-term protester for reproductive rights said, “[she] really supports the rights of women having an abortion.” 

In 1973, Roe V. Wade became a landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in which the Court ruled that the  U.S. Constitution generally protects a woman’s choice to have an abortion. In a 7-2 decision, they held that the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution provides a “right to privacy,” and thus, a right to abortion.

In doing so, many state and federal laws were prohibited, leading to an ongoing debate about the morality and legality of the decision. Now, almost 50 years later, the monumental decision of the Supreme Court was overturned in a 5-4 majority, ultimately giving authority to dictate reproductive rights back to the states.

The decision sparked controversy, as millions gathered in cities across the United States to protest the ruling. New York, known as being one of the most liberal cities focused on reproductive rights, joined in on the fight.

Brandon, initially upon hearing that Roe v. Wade had been overturned, said that he felt “sadness, disgust, and anger..” As a gay male, he felt that there was a lot of intersection between LGBTQ rights and reproductive health rights, leading him to the protest.

Going forward, New York state has guaranteed access to abortion and reproductive care. State officials are expecting an influx of people coming to their city to receive the access they desire, since that won’t be available in their states. 

“Abortion isn’t going to go away. It is only going to become much less safe,” Izzy, a 22 year old, said. 

Despite the various opinions held across the country on the overturning of the court ruling, these protests will continue to instigate discourse across the political spectrum. Generations of pro-choice individuals, particularly in New York City, will make sure of that fact.

Categories: New York