Proud to march

It was the biggest Abortion Rights march for decades. 

After 300 people joined our protest at the US Embassy at two hours notice on the evening the US Supreme Court overturned Rose versus Wade, Abortion Rights called a march in London on Saturday 9 July.

The shock and the anger at seeing 50 years of the right to abortion across the US being ripped away spilled on to the streets all afternoon.

An amazing 1,500 people marched from Trafalgar Square to the US Embassy. First-time protesters united with veteran campaigners, students marched alongsidetrade unionists and a contingent from Trans Pride, which had taken place earlier in the day, joined us at the Square. It was powerful statement of unity and solidarity with all the women and pregnant people in the US who facedcompete denial of their reproductive rights from the moment Trump’s appointed Supreme Court judges ensured the reversal of Roe V Wade. 

There were dozens of inspiring, poignant and funny homemade placards. One Abortion Rights supporter travelled from Norwich to walk in her Handmaid’s Tale red cloak and white bonnet. 

Volunteer stewards gave out placards, sold our new badges and collected donations and Abortion Rights Executive Committee member Lily Burton led us in chanting and introduced speakers at both ends of the march. 

At Trafalgar Square we heard from Louise Regan, National Officer, National Education Union, an affiliate of Abortion Rights; Louise McCudden, Advocacy and Public Affairs advisor for abortion provider MSI Reproductive Choices; and Dr Hayley Webb, secretary of Doctors for Choice.

Democrats Abroad UK. Treasurer Elizabeth Kelly also spoke, she was among many Americans who took part in the demonstration.

Chair of Abortion Rights Kerry Abel wrapped up the rally at the Square and led the march off down Whitehallbehind our banner proclaiming a woman’s right to choose.

We took the road and stopped the traffic. What was heartening was the response of the public when they saw what we were protesting about. People applauded, put their fists in the air, cheered us and drivers bibbed their horns!

Once we crowded into the area surrounding the US Embassy in Nine Elms we heard from Mandu Reid, Leader of the Women’s Equality Party, Liz Wheatley Chair of UNISON’s International Committee, another affiliate of Abortion Rights; Dr Sonia Adesara, a doctor and NHS activist; and Monica Cardenes

Co chair of Democrats Abroad UK Women’s Caucus.

Abortion Rights Chair Kerry Abel and vice-chair Judith Orr wrapped up the day reminding people that we marched both in solidarity with everyone fighting for abortion rights in the US, but also to demand that abortion is removed from criminal law here in Britain.

We thank each and every one who marched that day, and the many others who have shown their support in other ways. 

If you can help by contributing to our fighting fund you can do that here.