While millions celebrated America’s birthday on Monday, abortion rights activists from across the country gathered at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. to continue demonstrating after the recent decision on Roe v. Wade.
Amy Jochsett joined the protest from Austin, Texas to make her voice heard. Texas is one of the states that has tightened restrictions on abortion as a result of the ruling.
“My family did not support my desire to get an abortion. So, they were going to force me to carry the term,” she said. “I ended up going to an unlicensed [place in Mexico while I was living there]. It was a med student and I got a septic uterus, which [could be] deadly. Thankfully, I didn’t need a hysterectomy, which is sometimes what you need.”
Abortion rights activists also asserted that limiting access to safe abortions has many consequences, including pregnancy-related deaths. During the protest, a moment of silence was held in memory of women who lost their lives to illegal abortions.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade also concerns parents such as Summer Neil, who think that restricting abortion services will negatively impact future generations.
“I just can’t believe that my daughter won’t have the rights that I thought we all had in this country … I am here to show that I am not in agreement with the Supreme Court’s decision,” she said.
Activists in favor of abortion rights say midterm elections could determine its future, as they are concerned about the possibility of a nationwide abortion ban if Republicans take the majority in Congress and the White House in coming years.
“I really encourage people to actually get out and vote”, said Amy Jochsett, an abortion rights activist.
Recent polls show that a majority of Americans oppose the recent high court ruling.
