'Bans Off Our Bodies' abortion rights rally expected in DC on Saturday: What we know
WASHINGTON (WJLA) — An abortion-rights rally is planned for Saturday on the National Mall, according to the Women's March.
The group says the "Bans Off Our Bodies" demonstration is set to take place on May 14 at 12 p.m. in D.C. They have similar demonstrations planned in Baltimore, Md., Richmond, Va. and other cities in the country.
"This Saturday, we’re marching to the Supreme Court to show them that abortion access has to be protected and supported – and that we won’t back down," the organization tweeted.
“Bans Off Our Bodies” is being organized by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Women’s March, MoveOn, UltraViolet, the Liberate Abortion Coalition, and other groups, officials say.
Here's what we know so far about the rally:
WHEN & WHERE:
Protesters will meet at the Northeast side of the Washington Monument at 12 p.m. and march along Constitution Avenue, NW to the Supreme Court at 2 p.m.
WHY ARE THEY MARCHING?
Reproductive rights and women's groups are calling for action in the wake of a leaked draft opinion that indicates Supreme Court justices will vote to overturn Roe v. Wade -- the 1973 decision that affirmed the right to abortion access.
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Overturning the ruling would again leave final decisions on abortion access to state governments.
"Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Women's March, MoveOn, and UltraViolet have joined with allies across the progressive movement to ensure that millions of people turn out for mobilizations across the country to demonstrate that support for abortion is widely and deeply felt. Together we will send a strong message that abortion access must be protected and supported. We invite you to join these efforts during this moment of crisis. It is necessary that to act now, all across the country, not only to demonstrate that people support abortion access, but to show that we won’t back down," Women's March said.
ROAD CLOSURES:
D.C. police say First Amendment demonstrations are anticipated to take place in the District. As of Friday morning, there are no set road closures but motorists may encounter parking restrictions and street closures in conjunction with these demonstrations.
For timely traffic information, go here.
This story will be updated as we get more information.
