Summary
It’s 4.30pm in Washington DC. We’re closing this blog now, but you can read the Guardian’s story on the women’s march and reproductive rights issue today, here.
Here’s where things stand:
Although smaller compared to previous years, this year’s Women’s March still saw thousands take to the streets. Many showed up with creative signs in passionate protest for reproductive freedoms.
Rachel O’Leary Carmona, the executive director of the Women’s March, addressed crowds in Madison, Wisconsin, which has been chosen by march organizers as this year’s rallying base. “We will not be distracted by the drama in DC. Instead we are sending a clear message to elected leaders and to our base – we are going to where the fight is, and that is at the state level,” organizers said.
President Joe Biden urged Congress on Sunday to pass legislation that codifies reproductive rights offered by Roe. “Let me be clear: a woman’s right to choose is non-negotiable. I haven’t stopped fighting to protect women’s reproductive rights – and I never will. Now, it’s time for Congress to pass legislation codifying the protections of Roe,” he said.
In Washington DC, organizers from the Black-led abolitionist group Harriet’s Wildest Dreams drowned out the sound of counter-protesters, chanting “Hey hey, ho ho, these racist bitches have got to go.” Speaking to the Guardian, 18-year old protestor Raven Hidalgo said, “It’s unfair men are taking away our rights over our own bodies.”
In her address at Tallahassee, Florida, vice-president Kamala Harris reaffirmed the fight for reproductive rights across the country and announced a presidential memorandum issued by Biden. “Today, we are fighting back. I am pleased to announce that President Biden has issued a presidential memorandum. Members of our cabinet and our administration are now directed to identify barriers to access and recommend actions to make sure that doctors can legally prescribe, doctors can dispense and women can secure safe and effective medication,” she said.
A small counter-protest of less than a dozen people stood outside Freedom Plaza steps in DC at noon today, chanting racist and sexist chants about slavery as thousands descended upon DC to march on the 50th anniversary of Roe being signed into law, half a year after the constitutional right was dismantled. Jessica Nowell, 19, from the anti-abortion group Students For Life, told the Guardian that she was upset by the counter-protest which she did not believe reflected the movement. “I don’t believe with the pro-choicers but this behavior is disgusting and it’s not the gospel. God loves us all,” she said.
That’s it from me, Maya Yang, as we wrap up our live coverage of this year’s Women’s March. Thank you for joining us.
Updated
Passionate signs and pins have been popping up all across the country as thousands of people took to the streets to demonstrate their opposition towards the removal of federal protections of reproductive rights.
Updated
