Rally For Abortion Rights In Montclair: ‘Bans Off Our Bodies’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — NOTE: Read our updated article on Tuesday's rally here.

Advocates plan to hold a “Bans Off Our Bodies Rally” in Montclair on Tuesday, May 3 as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to possibly strike down Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling that made abortion legal in all 50 states.

The Montclair rally will take place at 6 p.m. at the Planned Parenthood Montclair Center, 29 North Fullerton Avenue. Masks are encouraged, organizers said.

The event is being sponsored by BlueWaveNJ, Make the Road NJ, NJ 11th For Change, NJ Citizen Action, NJ Working Families, Our Revolution NJ, People's Organization for Progress, Planned Parenthood, Summit Marches CD7, and Women for Progress.

“With the news that the Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe V. Wade, we are mobilizing immediately to make our voices heard,” BlueWaveNJ stated. “Join us tonight as we fight against these cruel and draconian policies.”

Learn more here.

The rally is being held in reaction to a leaked, draft U.S. Supreme Court majority opinion, which indicates that the court may overturn Roe (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992). Chief Justice John Roberts confirmed Tuesday the opinion – first reported by Politico – is authentic.

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. Read More: Roe V. Wade Will Be Struck Down, Politico Reports, Citing Leaked Draft

If the landmark cases are struck down, women's access to abortion could change depending on where they live. However, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act into New Jersey law earlier this year. This ensures access to abortions in the Garden State, whether or not the Supreme Court overturns the two cases.

• See related article: Abortion Access Would Remain In New Jersey If Roe v. Wade Overturned

This article contains reporting by Beth Dalbey and Michelle Rotuno-Johnson, Patch staff

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