Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade Ruling Sets Off Protests as States Plan Moves

Protests and rallies continued Saturday in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling that ended constitutional protections for abortion rights, as states continue to adjust to a decision that overturned nearly 50 years of law.

Abortion-rights demonstrators have converged in cities across the U.S. since Friday’s decision. Demonstrations took place from Los Angeles to Philadelphia on Saturday, following protests Friday from Washington Square Park in New York City to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Albuquerque, N.M.

In Indianapolis, hundreds of abortion-rights supporters gathered outside the Indiana Statehouse, chanting and waving signs. “The 1950s called. They want their oppression back,” said one sign. A group of antiabortion supporters stood nearby and cheered the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

There was a stream of demonstrators at the Supreme Court in Washington, including abortion opponents who took pictures in front of the court celebrating their victory. “Into the ash heap of history where you belong, Roe v. Wade,” read one sign.

In Phoenix on Friday night, state troopers used tear gas to disperse groups of protesters outside the State Capitol Complex. The Arizona Department of Public Safety said 7,000 to 8,000 people came to the area after the ruling, and what started as a peaceful demonstration changed when groups splintered off and attempted to force their way into the state Senate building.