Tens of thousands worldwide march in solidarity with the people of Texas
On Saturday October 2, we organised demonstrations in solidarity with the people of Texas in reaction to the news of the law restricting abortion in Texas. Hundreds of people turned up in London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff to stand up and defend abortion rights. Watch the video below for images from the London event, which saw us marching from Trafalgar Square to the US Embassy in Vauxhall.
Abortion Rights Chair Kerry Abel said, “We had a great response in solidarity with women and abortion providers locked out of accessing or providing safe and legal abortions in Texas. Seeing the waves of protests across the states over the course of Saturday was an important part of showing that we are the pro-choice majority. We may need to do more of this, so join Abortion Rights and get notifications of any future actions.”
Across the US and internationally, over 660 actions were also held on October 2. Check out the highlights from some of these events below.
Edinburgh
A group of people braved the rain to assemble at Middle Meadow Walk in Edinburgh in solidarity with the people of Texas.
Belfast
Washington D.C.
The first Women’s March of the Biden administration headed straight for the steps of the Supreme Court. Many thousands of women filled a square near the White House for a rally before the march. They waved signs that said “Mind your own uterus,” “I love someone who had an abortion” and “Abortion is a personal choice, not a legal debate,” among other messages. Some wore T-shirts reading simply “1973,” a reference to the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, which made abortion legal for generations of American women.
New York
A rally and march in Manhattan drew thousands of protesters. Actresses Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Schumer joined the demonstration. Governor Kathy Hochul spoke at rallies in Seneca Falls and then in Albany. “I’m sick and tired of having to fight over abortion rights,” she said.
California
Thousands of women marched in demonstrations around Southern California. The largest of these took place in Downtown LA, where speakers included county Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Hilda Solis, activist Gloria Allred, actress Alyssa Milano, and Paxton Smith, who is known for her valedictorian speech opposing Texas abortion law, which went viral earlier this year. Thousands also marched in San Francisco in the Women’s March for Our Reproductive Rights rally.
Texas
Thousands showed up in Texas to protest the law that affects them directly. Several cities saw demonstrations – from Austin to Dallas, Houston to El Paso. At the Texas State Capitol, Russian feminist protest punk rock group Pussy Riot performed for the crowd. Texas State Senator Sarah Eckhardt, former Texas State Senator Wendy Davis, and Travis County Judge Andy Brown also spoke at the event.
Las Vegas
Hundreds of Las Vegas Valley residents marched through downtown on Saturday, joining protests across the country in support of abortion access and reproductive rights.
Phoenix
Protesters gathered at the Arizona State Capitol to advocate for the expansion of abortion rights in Arizona and condemn recent abortion restrictions passed in Texas and Mississippi. After the speeches, activists led protesters in a march around the state Capitol.
Boston
In Boston, at least 2,000 gathered in the Roxbury neighbourhood. “Abortion care is health care,” Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley said, addressing the Franklin Park crowd.
Indiana
In Indianapolis, hundreds gathered at the Richard G. Lugar Plaza despite heavy rain. Comedian Chelsea Handler was one of the speakers at the rally. “There is nothing fiercer than a woman’s strength,” she said, addressing the crowd.
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