Mainers Rally In Support Of Abortion Rights Following Supreme Court's Roe Decision

By Evan Popp, Maine Beacon:

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Friday to overturn Roe v. Wade and reverse nearly 50 years of federal abortion rights, Mainers across the state rallied to protest the ruling and speak out in support of reproductive health care.

Close to a thousand people gathered in Portland on Friday as part of a march from Lincoln Park to City Hall. Speakers at the rally included women who have had an abortion as well as state Democratic officials such as Gov. Janet Mills, House Speaker Ryan Fecteau and House Assistant Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross. Leaders of reproductive health advocacy groups also made speeches at the event.

Demonstrations continued over the weekend. Hundreds mobilized in Bangor on Sunday for a “Bans off Our Bodies” protest.

Those at the Bangor rally decried the Supreme Court’s decision and warned that the court’s ruling will be devastating for many women around the country. Some also spoke about their decision to have an abortion and the importance of that choice in their lives.

Also on Sunday, Maine Democratic Socialists of America organized a march in Portland to demand “free abortion on demand without apology.”

Organizers said nearly 1,000 people attended the event, where participants heard from advocates and women who’ve had an abortion. The rally also provided the chance for people to connect with other attendees to “form networks of support and action” in the wake of the ruling.

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