On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States revoked Roe v. Wade, which protected the constitutional right to abortion since 1973. While unsurprising, the ruling by a hyper-conservative court was devastating. While abortions are still legal in several states, including California, several conservative states either already banned abortions or are expected to.
The ruling ignited thousands to protest across the country. In San Francisco, demonstrations were planned throughout the city. At City Hall, El Tecolote reporter Sage Mace and photographer Jeremy Word spoke to several people, who vehemently opposed the decision.
“It is time for us to fight like never before,” said Kimberly Ellis, of the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women. “What this means for women and girls in this country is that this is a moment for us to fight or die, and we intend to fight and to win. One of the things I think is important is that here in San Francisco, and for all of us in the state of California, is to do what we so often have done and that is to lead, to be a beacon of light and a beacon of hope and to provide a safe haven of refuge for anyone, all people who need it.”
“Right now we’re in a position where millions of people need to be filling the streets,” said John of The Bay Area Revolution Club. “This supreme court decision is a part of a larger Christian fascist movement aimed at LGBTQ rights, contraception limitations, and more. We urgently need to be struggling with the people to create a completely new society based on meeting the needs of the people.”
“We’re here in solidarity to protest the horrific decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe, and to double-down on the need for California to show up big and to pass the state constitutional amendment to enshrine access to abortion and birth control here, for Californians and for others who are going to come to our state for care,” said Gilda Gonzales CEO of Planned Parenthood Northern California.
“I’m here today because this ruling is wrong. We shouldn’t be going back,” said Jeannie Haydon. “I just can’t believe it happened today.”
For further reporting on what the repeal of Roe v. Wade will mean for our communities, please stay tuned for future issues of El Tecolote.
