Hazlet Mothers Rally For Abortion Rights

HAZLET, NJ —A small group of Hazlet mothers protested on Tuesday, May 3, in response to the United States Supreme Court considering overturning Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that legalized abortion in all 50 states.

The protest, which took place in front of the Hazlet courthouse between 5 and 6 p.m., was inspired by Moveon.org, which suggested local pop-up protests at your local courthouse, according to one of the mothers participating.

"I feel it is so important to stand up and show our support for women's rights and for choice. I am the mother of an 18-year-old daughter and I am showing up to protest for her and for my future grandchildren. No one is "Pro-Abortion", and no woman ever wants to be put in the position to have to make that choice, but that choice is so critical to have and should be between a woman and her doctor, not up to the whims of the government," said Hazlet resident Gwen Furst.

U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, who represents New Jersey's 6th district, called the possibility "an assault on women."

"Roe v. Wade has stood for nearly 50 years protecting the right to abortion," said Pallone Tuesday. "If this draft opinion is accurate, the Supreme Court is on the cusp of overturning half a century of precedent and decimating reproductive rights for millions of Americans. This is an assault on women and their ability to make their own healthcare decisions and undermines the right to privacy for all Americans."

"It is an ideological decision not based in the Constitution that will further undermine trust in the Supreme Court and cause devastating harm to our people and our nation," continued Pallone.

News outlet Politico reported Monday night that it had obtained a copy of a draft opinion by conservative Justice Samuel Alito, which strikes down Roe as well as Casey v. Planned Parenthood, which affirmed a woman's right to obtain an abortion.

Read more: Draft Roe V. Wade Opinion Would Cause Seismic Shift In Abortion Policy

As of Tuesday afternoon, Chief Justice John Roberts of the United States Supreme Court confirmed that this is a genuine draft. He also called the leak "a betrayal" and promised a thorough investigation to find the person who leaked it to the media.

Much can change before the court publishes its final decision, likely in June or July. As draft opinions are circulated among justices, votes can and have changed on controversial cases, Politico reported.

If Roe v. Wade is overturned, women in New Jersey will still be able to obtain abortions. Gov. Murphy helped pass the Reproductive Freedom Act in October 2020, which largely secured abortion access in New Jersey.

"I personally have never had to make that choice and I consider myself very lucky for that, but many women have had to make this deeply personal decision and I will continue to fight for them to have the right to privacy to make that choice," said Furst.

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