FL Activists Organize Protests For Roe V. Wade 50th Anniversary

FLORIDA — Both pro-life and pro-choice activists have planned protests in Florida for the 50th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The landmark 1973 abortion ruling was overturned by the court last summer, putting abortion policies and women’s reproductive rights in the hands of each state. Some states strengthened their abortion laws, while others enacted total or partial bans.

In Florida, abortion is now illegal after 15 weeks of pregnancy after last year.

“The Court got Roe right 50 years ago. It was a balanced decision with broad national consensus that the majority of Americans have continued to support for the last 50 years. And it was a constitutional principle upheld by justices appointed by Democratic and Republican presidents alike,” President Joe Biden wrote in a proclamation honoring the ruling’s anniversary. “But 7 months ago, a conservative majority on the Supreme Court overturned Roe. Never before has the Court taken away a right so fundamental to Americans. In doing so, it put the health and lives of women across this Nation at risk. The Supreme Court opened the door for new challenges to other fundamental freedoms, including access to contraception and the right to marry whom you love.”

Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Tallahassee this weekend to give a speech commemorating the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade on Sunday at The Moon, a concert and nightclub, at 12:10 p.m., according to the Tallahassee Democrat.

She’s speaking as part of a Bigger Than Roe protest organized by Planned Parenthood in Florida. Those interested in the rally can sign up here.

On Saturday, 3 to 5 p.m., Women’s March Florida is hosting a virtual session via Zoom about the legislative process. The organization will also offer training for pro-choice activists for the upcoming legislative session in the Sunshine State. Learn how to register here.

In-person events have been organized throughout the weekend, in collaboration with Women’s March, including Bans Off Miami: Bigger Than Roe on Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Miami-Dade County Courthouse, 73 W. Flagler Street.

A Bigger Than Roe march will also take place in St. Petersburg Sunday, noon to 1 p.m. Those participating will gather at the corner of Central Avenue and 3rd Street.

Local authors, led by St. Petersburg poet laureate Gloria Muñoz and Sam Obeid, will share their work at a poetry pop-up, Remembering Roe, Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon, at Tombolo Books, 2153 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg. The event is a collaboration with the Museum of Motherhood.

Take Back the Fight Tampa Bay will take place Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m., at Joe Chillura Park, 600 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.

The Women’s Voices of SW Florida hosts a March for RepROEductive Freedom Saturday, 2 p.m., at Five Points Park in Sarasota.

And the National March for Abortion, featuring state House Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, will take place Saturday, noon to 2 p.m., at Orlando City Hall.

Other pro-choice marches and protests are planned throughout the state. Find the one closest to your city here.

Anti-abortion protesters have activated this weekend, as well. March for Life, celebrating the overturning of Roe v. Wade, took place Friday in Washington, D.C.

Similar events are being organized in Florida, including the third annual Tampa Bay March for Life, which took place Saturday morning, 8:30 to 11 a.m., in downtown St. Petersburg.

“Roe v. Wade may be history, but the work continues,” said Scott J. Mahurin, event director and President of Florida Preborn Rescue. “Pro-lifers will continue to make their voices heard in Tampa Bay until abortion is illegal and unthinkable, and until every child is protected by love and by law.”

In South Florida, the Florida International University Catholic Panthers presents “Speaking for the Unborn,” a pro-life talk, at St. Agatha Church, 1111 SW 107th Ave., Miami.

Meanwhile, March for Life in St. Augustine took place last weekend, Jan. 13-14.