Abortion-Rights Supporters Rally In Morristown: 'Bans Off Our Bodies'

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Gathering amid fears that the U.S. Supreme Court may overturn Roe v. Wade, nearly 800 people in Morris County rallied Saturday in support of abortion rights.

The volunteer-organized "Bans Off Our Bodies Rally," was held at 10 N. Park Place in response to the possibility of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that made abortion legal in all 50 states.

"The Supreme Court is making their official decision on abortion rights in June. Once that happens, 26 states could move quickly to ban abortion, meaning millions of people could live without local access to abortion care," said event organizers.

During the rally, protesters urged lawmakers to take action to strengthen, protect and expand access to abortion care.

"Like women and their allies across Morris County, I marched on Saturday in support of women's rights. As the mother of two adult children, there is no more deeply personal decision than becoming a mother. That is a decision for a woman to make, not for government intrusion," said Mendham Township Committeewoman Amalia Duarte. "Some 65% of Americans believe Roe v. Wade should not be overturned. Those who oppose a women's right to self-determination and access to health care are out of step with the mainstream and moderate views held by most people."

The rally was part of a nationwide protest Saturday called by abortion-rights activists.

Politico recently obtained a leaked draft majority opinion from the Supreme Court, indicating five justices will overturn Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992).

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

"Roe has always been the floor, not the ceiling," event organizers said. "Many Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other people of color experience barriers to accessing abortions. The people in your community and across the country deserve the power and freedom to make their own personal reproductive health care decisions."

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

Thank you for reading! Have a news tip, correction or comment? Email vianella.burns@patch.com. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter here.