Abortion Rally In Worcester Rebukes Roe V. Wade Draft Opinion: Photos

WORCESTER, MA — Dozens of locals gathered in downtown Worcester Tuesday in support of abortion access, just under a day after a draft Supreme Court opinion leaked showing that a majority of justices would vote to repeal the landmark Roe v. Wade decision.

The protest in front of the Worcester County Superior Court was one of hundreds held across the U.S. Tuesday after POLITICO reported the draft opinion. The event attracted local college students, concerned citizens and local politicians.

Although Massachusetts state law protects abortion access, the protesters said they wanted to make sure to be seen fighting for abortion rights when so many others in the U.S. could lose access. Thirteen states, including the Dakotas, Idaho, Texas and Tennessee, have "trigger laws" that would ban abortion instantly if Roe v. Wade fell.

Worcester resident Sally Bowditch said she attended to support abortion access, but also because the draft opinion could lead to the removal of other rights, like same-sex marriage and trans rights. Bowditch also said her parents helped establish a Planned Parenthood clinic in Worcester, so the issue is especially personal for her.

"It's been a family position for many years," she said.

Two other attendees were Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty and YWCA executive Robyn Kennedy, who are running for the seat being left by retiring state Sen. Harriette Chandler — the architect of the 2020 ROE Act. Worcester Human Rights Commission Chair Guillermo Creamer and Worcester School Committee member Sue Mailman also attended.

The rally also included a large contingent of Clark University students, who marched up Main Street from the campus to the courthouse.

Many passersby driving along Main Street honked or shouted in support of the group. One man driving a gray Jeep slowed to jeer the demonstrators, but sped away as the crowd shouted back.

Here are some photos from Tuesday's demonstration.