Thousands of New Yorkers are expected to participate in a march for reproductive rights on Saturday, Oct. 2, at 2 p.m. as part of a nationwide campaign hosted by the Women’s March in response to the new Texas law that effectively bans all abortions past six weeks of pregnancy.
The march from Washington Square Park to Union Square Park is the only registered rally on the day in Manhattan so far. Organizers Juliet Aguerre and Rose Baseil Massa predict a turnout of at least 5,000 people, and are partnering with a number of other organizations including Planned Parenthood.
Massa said that the goal of the campaign is to send a message of opposition to Texas Senate Bill 8 [SB8] to the United States Supreme Court, which reconvenes on Oct. 4. SB8 states that, unless the pregnant person’s life is in danger, any person in Texas who assists with or provides an abortion once cardiac activity has been detected in the womb — which usually occurs at about six weeks — can be sued for at least $10,000 and could face a court order preventing them from providing abortions. Other states have followed suit, attempting to enact similar restrictive laws.
“This is the largest attack on Roe v. Wade, in my understanding, since it was put into place,” Massa told The New School Free Press. “A lot is still up in the air and there’s a lot at stake.”
The impact of the Texas law has been far-reaching. Lily Pando, a third-year politics student at Lang, who is from Texas, is concerned for her friends and family back home.
“Growing up I had friends who got abortions and this means that kids [seeking abortions] will be unable to get safe care,” Pando said.
Politicians and leaders such as Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, Rep. Jerry Nadler, Socialist New York City mayoral candidate Cathy Rojas and Executive Director of the New York Civil Liberties Union Donna Lieberman are expected to attend the Manhattan march. Aguerre and Massa are in communication with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s office but are unsure if she can attend.
Massa’s personal experience with abortion contributed to her passion for protecting that right for other people.
“I had an abortion at a young age and it’s not something I am ashamed about at all,” Massa said. “I’m just starting to become really vocal about it because I think it’s important for people to know that it’s a really normal and needed medical procedure.”
In addition to the march, Massa hopes to fund-raise for Texas abortion funds and encourages the public to let their local elected officials know where they stand on the issue.
The U.S. Supreme Court — which has a conservative super majority — ruled against blocking SB8 on Sep. 1. The court is dominated by six conservative justices, three of whom were nominated by former President Donald Trump. Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett, one of three women on the court and the most recently appointed justice, has been a vocal advocate against abortion rights. Arguments for another restrictive abortion law attempt in Mississippi will be presented on Dec. 1.
Due to permitting issues, the march location was changed. Protesters met at Foley Square and marched to Washington Square Park.