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voices from abortion rights protests across the U.S -Breaking

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© Reuters. Following the publication of a Supreme Court opinion suggesting that the Roe v. Wade decision could be overturned, abortion rights activists participated in nationwide protests in Los Angeles. Los Angeles, California. May 14, 2022. REUTERS/Aude

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(Reuters) – Thousands are joining protests across America on Saturday in support of abortion rights. They want to see the U.S. Supreme Court reverse Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion nationally.

These are the voices of those who attended rallies in New York City, Washington, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.

Gabriela Fraga (35), held a sign reading “pregnant of choice” at the New York rally. Fraga is currently 32 weeks pregnant. She was raised Catholic in Peru and says she’s always supported choice.

“I believe that all women who have the ability to bear children are entitled to their fundamental rights and freedoms. She said that this belief was reinforced by going through her own pregnancy.

“I was only able to get pregnant after I realized that the material, emotional and psychological conditions were there to make this child a successful life. I am so excited about having him.”

Jillian Larussa (27), said Roe V. Wade should become law because it is “healthcare.”

She said, “This isn’t the end,” as she marched across the Brooklyn Bridge. This is what’s going to happen in gay marriage. It’s also gonna happen with contraceptives. We need to get out there and fight for our rights before it happens.

Elizabeth Leek (75-year-old masseuse) was carrying a sign reading “Grandma says Respect Women’s Choices”, and a flower crown during the rally “Bans Off Our Bodies” in front the Washington Monument.

Leek claimed that she nearly died due to an unsafe abortion at age 18, just before Roe V. Wade. Leek now feels “outraged” and is afraid for her six grandsons. She claimed that she wants them to be able to get healthcare and have bodily autonomy.

The court’s draft opinion was what she described as “breaking my heart”. However, she was buoyed nonetheless by the large number of protestors, young and old, on Saturday.

She stated, “It’s momentum”.

Brita Van Rosum, a landscape designer and land planner of 62, came from Philadelphia’s suburbs to attend the Washington protest.

It was the first protest she had made specifically in support of abortion rights.

She stated, “I’m angry.” “If you cannot choose whether you want a baby or not, and that’s not an absolute right, then what’s the point?”

Patricia Fulton is 52 years old and a graphic designer in Atlanta’s Roswell.

Fulton, who attended the rally near Georgia’s Statehouse, stated that the U.S. Democratic Party had to be stronger in order to defend Roe V. Wade.

Fulton stated, “There is public outrage. But we need more leadership by those who can make something happen.”

Malcolm DeCesare (34), an intensive care nurse in New York, was present at the rally near Los Angeles’ City Hall. He stated that as a health worker, “I fully understand that safe abortions are impossible to ban.”

DeCesare stated, “By banning or proposing to ban abortions, we are relegating whole populations of women to the Dark Ages.” We are placing them at great danger.”

Shannon Flaherty (52 years old) was attending protest in Los Angeles with Piper (16 year-old), and two friends.

She stated that her and her mom “have been living with men making decisions regarding our bodies, our lives for a long period of time. It’s had to end.”

Piper claimed that Piper’s draft decision showed history in reverse.

She said, “It makes me angry that people want control of this particularly when there are so much other things people could do to save lives such as overturning death penalty or giving free healthcare.”

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