World / Health

Protests across US reflect seismic change in abortion rights law

14:41 pm on 25 June 2022

Thousands of Americans have taken to the streets in peaceful protests against the Supreme Court's decision that has overturned the Roe v Wade case that recognised a constitutional right to an abortion and legalised it nationwide.

A range of emotions are being expressed in centres around the United States. Photo: AFP

The decision means millions of women and non-binary people across the US will lose their legal right to abortion as individual states will be able to make their own laws on it.

Protests were being planned in 50 cities from Detroit to Denver, activists told the BBC. There were immediate rallies in major cities such as New York and Washington while abortion supporters also marched in smaller centres. At the Glastonbury music festival in England, multiple Grammy winner Billie Eilish who is American said it was "a dark day" for US women.

In the US, several states have already moved to ban abortions entirely, following the Supreme Court ruling.

Among states to move immediately to ban all abortions were Arkansas, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Ohio.

Here is a mix of photos depicting the range of reactions across the US:

A woman makes her feelings clear at a protest march in New York City. Photo: AFP

More protesters in New York City vent their fury. Photo: AFP

Photo: SPENCER PLATT

Tennessee's Democrat representative Sheila Jackson Lee speaks to abortion rights activisits in front of the US Supreme Court after the decision was announced. Photo: AFP

A selection of signs at a rally in Los Angeles. Photo: AFP

Protesters gather outside the First Street United States Courthouse in Los Angeles. Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

A protester makes a point outside the US Supreme Court. Photo: AFP

One of the biggest turnouts was in Washington Square Park. Photo: AFP

Part of the Washington rally. Photo: AFP

Miami was another city where protesters made their anger felt. Photo: AFP

Photo: JOE RAEDLE

Florida agricultural commissioner Nikki Fried joined the protest in Miami. Photo: JOE RAEDLE

Some ecstatic over the decision

This group was waiting outside the US Supreme Court for the decision. Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP

An anti-abortion rally held in Washington after the decision was announced. Photo: AFP

Photo: AFP