What to Know If You're Planning on Protesting the End of Roe v. Wade
The post-Roe v. Wade world is officially here and outraged dissidents everywhere are revving up for a fight.
Today, the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade, a devastating decision that will leave millions of people across the country without safe and ready access to abortion. It's also a decision that has prompted grassroots organizers to plan pro-choice protests and rallies from coast to coast.
If you're planning on participating in one (or many) of these demonstrations, read ahead for a break down on some best practices and tips when it comes to protesting for reproductive rights.
Plug into local organizations to find a protest near you.
Check the social media accounts of different pro-choice or social justice-oriented organizations in your community to see what protests may be occurring near you. Bans Off Our Bodies also provides a helpful, interactive map that lets you search for actions by city, zip code, and date.
Below are some major demonstrations that are set to take place across the U.S. today.
New York City — Multiple organizations and collectives including NYC for Abortions Rights, Left Voice, Brooklyn Eviction Defense, Washington Square Park Mutual Aid, Starbucks Workers United, and more have planned a march and rally that will begin at Washington Square Park at 6:30 p.m. ET.
New York State — Planned Parenthood has shared information on different vigils occurring in Ithaca, Corning, Newburgh, Saratoga, and Mineola.
Los Angeles, California — The Democratic Socialists of America have organized a rally in Pershing Square at 5 p.m. PT.
San Francisco, California — Rise Up 4 Abortion Bay Area has organized a protest at the Federal Building at 5 p.m. PT.
New Hampshire — Planned Parenthood has shared information on different protests taking place at 5 p.m. ET across the state.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — The Democratic Socialists of America have organized a protest at City Hall at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Prepare for any outcome.
The probability of a riot or conflict with the police during protests is not zero. If you plan on demonstrating, stay vigilant and prepared.
Dress accordingly by wearing shoes and clothes you'd be comfortable walking in for long distances or even running in.
In case of police interference, the National Lawyers Guild recommends not bringing anything you wouldn't want police to find, packing a form of identification, disabling facial recognition and fingerprint unlock on your mobile phone, turning off your location, and writing a jail support or hotline number on your body. It's also advised to pack cash, water, snacks, extra chargers or batteries, and a list of your required medications and dosages.
It's best to attend a protest with a friend or someone you trust and can keep tabs with. You can connect beforehand by using encrypted messaging apps like Signal.
Be mindful of other protestors.
Many of those demonstrating alongside you do not want to be photographed or filmed— especially given how the ever-increasing state of surveillance provides a potential boon for police looking to arrest and prosecute protestors. It might be in your best interest, too, to avoid being captured in footage.
Know your rights.
It's your First Amendment right to assemble and protest in public spaces (that includes streets, sidewalks, and parks). You also are legally allowed to take photos and film in public spaces, and you're entitled to film police in public from a reasonable distance.
If police stop you, you have the right to remain silent and you are not obligated to consent to a search of your belongings.
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