SEATTLE — After the Supreme Court justices issued their ruling in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning Roe v. Wade by a 6-3 vote, it was immediately met with celebration and anger for many in western Washington.
The ruling, which will bring sweeping implications, transform lives and reshape politics in the United States, has prompted many to hit the streets in protest.
While Washington, Oregon and California have already announced commitments to defend access to reproductive health care, many have already organized demonstrations in the Puget Sound region in support of abortion rights.
Protests were scheduled at the Federal Building and Westlake Park in downtown Seattle.
The protest at the Federal Building, at 915 Second Avenue, started at 5 p.m. Friday and was led by the Democratic Socialists of America.
Also at 5 p.m., Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights hosted a demonstration at Westlake Park, 401 Pine Street.
A second demonstration is set for Saturday. The group plans to hold protests in 16 cities nationwide.
Another demonstration was also held at 5 p.m. by Shout Your Abortion. It occurred at Yesler Terrace Park at 903 Yesler Way.
“Shout Your Abortion is normalizing abortion and elevating safe paths to access, regardless of legality. SYA makes resources, campaigns, and media intended to arm existing activists, create new ones, and foster collective participation in abortion access all over the country,” the group said.
While there were several simultaneous demonstrations in Seattle, thousands marched from Westlake Park and chanted “Abortion rights! Abortion rights! Abortion rights!”
They voiced their disdain over the Supreme Court’s decision to allow individual states to reshape abortion laws.
KIRO 7 ran into Camilla Walter, who came out with her family and said, “It’s terrifying to think a bunch of folks can just decide what is best for individual women’s bodies.”
Protester Michelle Walter said, “I mean, my daughters were born with this right. And to have it taken away from them and all the other people here.”
While there may be different stances on the court’s decision, many believe the conversation is far from over.
“I mean it’s hard telling. Society is changing so drastically now these days. You just don’t know what’s going to happen,” said Charlie of Boise, Idaho.
More protests are scheduled for Saturday in downtown Seattle and other places.
Students for Life plan to rally in support of anti-abortion rights. The rally will occur at 11 a.m. at the Washington State Capitol.