Thousands of Women march to save abortion right in U.S
Thousands of women have marched across cities in the United States to protest increasing restrictions on abortion. It was as a result of the Texas law that bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
In Washington DC, protesters filled the streets surrounding the Supreme Court shouting, “My body, my choice and cheering loudly to the beat of drums.”
According to Alexi McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood, women who have been forced to drive for many hours across state lines sometimes multiple state lines to end pregnancies since the Texas law went into effect.
“No matter where you are, this fight is at your doorstep right now.
“This moment is dark, but that is why we are here.” Johnson said.
The so-called heartbeat law signed by Governor Greg Abbott bans abortion after cardiac activity is detected in the embryo, usually around six weeks. That is before most women know they are pregnant and earlier than 85 percent to 90 percent of all abortions are carried out, experts say.
The law relies on ordinary citizens to enforce the ban, which makes no exceptions for rape or incest, rewarding them at least $10,000 if they successfully sue anyone who helped provide an illegal abortion.
Alejandra Marquez, a protester in Austin, the capital of Texas said, “I don’t think that old men, politicians should be making the decision on what I can and can’t do with my body.
“I think every woman should have the right to decide when they want to have kids, and how, and how many.”
Abortion rights advocates and the US Justice Department have now challenged the Texas law in state and federal courts, arguing that it violates Roe v Wade.
READ ALSO: Texas abortion law: Court votes against blocking ban
Kamila/Al-Jazeera
