Stop the Bans

Stop the Bans

Rally in front of the Minnesota State Capitol
Date	May 21, 2019 (2019-05-21)
Location	United States
Type	Demonstrations
Organized by	American Civil Liberties Union NARAL Pro-Choice America Planned Parenthood

Stop the Bans was a series of rallies held in the United States on May 21, 2019, protesting abortion bans and restrictions. Supporting organizations include the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), NARAL Pro-Choice America, and Planned Parenthood. ^[1] Protesters at the Stop the Bans rallies were concerned about women's rights being eroded. ^[2] Demonstrators at the rallies felt that politicians should not be making medical decisions about women's bodies. ^[3]

Exigence

In 2019, nine states implemented gestational age bans on abortion, including, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Missouri, Arkansas, Utah, and Alabama. ^[4] Abortion rights supporters considered these bans as extreme. ^[5]

Alabama's ban was the most restrictive, aiming to make abortion illegal in all cases including those of incest and rape, and allowing doctors to face 99 years in prison for performing abortions. ^[6] Supporters also considered laws regarding abortion in Michigan to be extreme. ^[3] Within Nebraska, North Dakota, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, legislators moved to enact abortion counseling requirements. Additionally, four of the aforementioned states banned abortions based on a patient’s reason for seeking an abortion.

These bans challenged the abortion standards set forth in Roe v. Wade, which for 46 years prior allowed women to get abortions until fetuses were "viable" which medical professionals gauge as occurring 24-28 weeks into a pregnancy. ^[1] These bans were enacted following Donald Trump's attempt to roll back abortion laws (specifically implementing Global Gag Rules). Protestors at the New York demonstrations described themselves as responding to a change in the governments relationship to abortion. ^[7]

Between the start of 2011 and May 31, 2019, almost 500 abortion restrictions were created across 33 states, accounting for more than one third of abortion restrictions enacted since Roe v. Wade's initial legalization (1973). ^[8]

Locations

Demonstrations were organized in possibly all fifty U.S. states. ^{[5] [9]}

Northeast

• Boston ^[10]
• Philadelphia ^{[11] [12]}
• Providence, Rhode Island ^[13]

New York saw protests in Manhattan and Mineola. ^[14]

South

• Atlanta ^{[15] [16]}
• Charlottesville, Virginia ^[17]
• Louisville, Kentucky ^[18]
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina ^[19]
• Nashville, Tennessee ^{[20] [21]}
• Raleigh, North Carolina ^{[22] [23]}
• Washington, D.C. ^{[24] [25]}
• Wilmington, Delaware ^[26]

Florida saw demonstrations in Fort Myers ^[27] and St. Petersburg. ^{[28] [29]}

In Maryland, there were protests in Annapolis and Towson. ^{[30] [31]}

In Texas, there was a rally held in El Paso at the County Courthouse. ^[32]

Midwest

Erin Maye Quade speaking at the demonstration in Saint Paul, Minnesota

Demonstration in Columbus, Ohio

• Chicago, Illinois ^{[33] [34]}
• Fargo, North Dakota ^[35]
• St. Paul, Minnesota ^[36]

Participating cities in Iowa included Cedar Rapids and Des Moines. ^{[37] [38]}

In Indiana, there were protests in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. ^{[39] [40] [41]}

Michigan saw demonstrations in Ann Arbor, Detroit, ^[42] Ferndale, ^[3] and Lansing. ^{[43] [44]}

In Missouri, there were demonstrations in Jefferson City and St. Louis. ^{[45] [36]}

Wisconsin saw protests in Appleton and Eau Claire. ^{[46] [47]}

West

• Albuquerque, New Mexico ^[48]
• Juneau, Alaska ^[49]

California saw demonstrations in Los Angeles, ^[50] San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Palo Alto, ^[51] Fullerton, Irvine, Mission Viejo, San Clemente, San Diego, ^{[52] [53]} San Luis Obispo, ^[54] Santa Barbara, ^[55] and Sebastopol. ^[2]

In Colorado, there were protests in Boulder and Fort Collins. ^[56]

An event was also planned in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. ^[57]

Oregon saw demonstrations in Eugene and Portland. ^{[58] [59] [60]}

In Washington state, there were demonstrations in Seattle, ^[36] Spokane, ^[61] and Yakima. ^[62]

In Wyoming, a protest took place in Laramie. ^[63]

See also

• United States portal

• Abortion in the United States
  • Abortion in the United States by state
• United States abortion-rights movement

References

1. Wamsley, Laurel (May 21, 2019). "Across the Country, Protesters Rally to Stop States' Abortion Bans". NPR . Retrieved May 22, 2019.
2. "SLIDESHOW: 'Stop the Bans' protest in Sebastopol". Sonoma West Publishers. May 24, 2019. Retrieved May 24, 2019.
3. Gray, Kathleen; Zaniewski, Ann (May 21, 2019). "Abortion rights supporters gather in cities across Michigan to protest bans". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
4. "State Policy Trends 2019: A Wave of Abortion Bans, But Some States Are Fighting Back | Guttmacher Institute". www.guttmacher.org. December 6, 2019. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
5. Yan, Holly; Levenson, Eric (May 21, 2019). "Abortion rights advocates protest to 'stop the bans' as more states pass fetal heartbeat bills". CNN . Retrieved May 22, 2019.
6. Yang, Maya. "'Stop the bans': Abortion rights activists rally across the US". Al Jazeera. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
7. Yang, Maya. "'Stop the bans': Abortion rights activists rally across the US". Al Jazeera. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
8. "Unprecedented Wave of Abortion Bans is an Urgent Call to Action | Guttmacher Institute". www.guttmacher.org. May 21, 2019. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
9. "Abortion rights activists hold protests in all 50 states to 'stop the bans'". NBC News . Retrieved May 22, 2019.
10. Macedo, Manoella (May 21, 2019). "'Stop the bans' demonstrations to take place nationwide". WFXT . Retrieved May 22, 2019.
11. "PHOTOS: Hundreds rally in support of women's rights". May 21, 2019.
12. "'Stop the Bans' rallies held in Philadelphia, across U.S." 6abc Philadelphia. May 21, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
13. "Pro-Choice Rhode Islanders participate in 'Stop the Bans' rally". ABC6. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
14. "Rallies to keep abortion legal: 'A woman's choice'". Newsday. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
15. Maya T. Prabhu, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Abortion rights activists rally in Georgia as states approve bans". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
16. "Stop The Abortion Bans Protest Held In Atlanta". The People's Station V103. May 21, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
17. Afzali, Nazir. "'Stop the Bans' protest held on Downtown Mall". CBS 19 News. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
18. "'Stop the Bans' abortion rally underway in Louisville". WHAS11. May 21, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
19. Edwards, Erin. "Dozens gather for "Stop the Bans" rally in Myrtle Beach". WMBF. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
20. "Protesters rebuke anti-abortion laws, share stories in Nashville 'Stop the Bans' rally". The Tennessean. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
21. Hall, Jason (May 20, 2019). "TN activists to rally against abortion bans in Nashville for Stop The Bans Day of Action". WZTV. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
22. By. "Abortions rights supporters rally as part of national response to new laws". newsobserver. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
23. "'Stop the Ban' rally in Raleigh draws large crowd of abortion rights supporters". ABC11 Raleigh-Durham. May 22, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
24. Alexandra Hutzler On 5/21/19 at 4:33 PM EDT (May 21, 2019). "Many 2020 Democrats were spotted at #StopTheBans rally on Tuesday as they condemned a wave of anti-abortion laws". Newsweek. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
25. "Thousands across the country are protesting extreme abortion laws today. The scene is incredible". Mother Jones. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
26. "National abortion debate resonates in Delaware at #StopTheBans rally". delawareonline. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
27. Davis, John (May 21, 2019). "SWFL Protesters Join National "Stop the Bans" Demonstrations Against Anti-Abortion Laws". Wgcu PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
28. "'Stop the Bans' protesters rally in St. Pete for abortion rights amid rollbacks across U.S." Tampa Bay Times. May 21, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
29. George, Bradley (May 21, 2019). "St. Petersburg Protestors Rally Against Abortion Bans". wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
30. Gazette, Capital. "Stop The Bans Rally in Annapolis". capitalgazette.com. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
31. "Reproductive Rights Rally In Towson A Response To Abortion Bans". Towson, MD Patch. May 21, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
32. Litton, Andra (May 22, 2019). "Abortion rights advocates hold #StopTheBans rally in El Paso". KTSM. Retrieved May 24, 2019.
33. Schulte, Sarah (May 21, 2019). "Amid protests, Illinois prepares for Supreme Court to take up abortion bans". ABC-7 Chicago. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
34. Julia Conley (May 21, 2019). "'This Is Not A Drill': Amid GOP Attack, Pro-Choice #StopTheBans Rallies Take Place Nationwide". Common Dreams. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
35. "Abortion Debate Takes Focus During 'Stop The Bans' Rally". KVRR Local News. May 21, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
36. Seelinger, Lani. "Here's How To Find The Protest Against Abortion Bans Closest To You". Bustle. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
37. Rohden, Lucy. ""Stop the Bans" protest held in downtown Cedar Rapids". www.kcrg.com. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
38. "Iowa Abortion Rights Activists Hold 'Stop the Bans' Rally, Pro-Life Activists Respond". whotv.com. May 22, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
39. Anguiano, Barbara (May 21, 2019). "Protesters Write Letters As Part Of The "Stop The Bans" Movement". WFYI Public Media. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
40. "'An answer to prayers': 200 rally against abortion laws in Indianapolis". amp.indystar.com. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
41. "'Stop the Bans' abortion rally at the Indiana Statehouse". www.indystar.com. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
42. "Protesters marching against abortion bans today in metro Detroit". WXYZ. May 21, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
43. News 10, Carla Bayron. "'Stop The Bans On Abortions' rally at State Capitol". www.wilx.com. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
44. "Women rally at State Capitol". WSYM. May 21, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
45. "Protesters at Missouri Capitol seek to end bans on abortion". News Tribune. May 22, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
46. News, Gabrielle Mays, FOX 11 (May 21, 2019). "Rally held in Appleton to protest abortion bans". WLUK. Retrieved May 22, 2019.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
47. "Abortion laws protested in Eau Claire and around the nation". WQOW. May 21, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
48. Follow @fbihop; Matthew, More by (May 22, 2019). "Protesters march to 'stop the bans' on abortion". The NM Political Report. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
49. "Live: 'Stop the Bans' rally in Juneau". Juneau Empire. May 21, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
50. Colleen Shalby (May 21, 2019). "Thousands gather at abortion-rights rallies across U.S. in opposition to antiabortion laws". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
51. Kristin J. Bender (May 21, 2019). "Abortion-rights rallies held in SF, SJ, on the steps of the Supreme Court". FOX KTVU-2. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
52. Pignataro, Anthony (May 21, 2019). "100+ Rally at HB Pier to Protest Abortion Bans". OC Weekly. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
53. "Rallies are part of 'Stop the Bans' movement". KGTV. May 22, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
54. By. "'Women aren't being treated equally': Hundreds rally for abortion rights in SLO". sanluisobispo. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
55. Martinez, Alys (May 21, 2019). "Santa Barbara joins nationwide protests against abortion bans". KEYT. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
56. "Colorado women join others across the nation to 'stop the bans'". KMGH. May 22, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
57. Robinson, Erin (May 21, 2019). "Pro-choice rallies planned for Tuesday in Spokane, Coeur d'Alene". KXLY. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
58. Darling, Dylan. "Hundreds rally in Eugene to protest abortion bans". The Register-Guard. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
59. Staff, News (May 21, 2019). "Rally in Eugene part of national Stop the Bans effort protesting anti-abortion laws". KVAL. Retrieved May 22, 2019.{{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
60. "'Stop the Bans' rally held in Portland in protest of restrictive abortion laws passed in other states". KPTV.com. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
61. "Spokane hosts pro-choice rally amid wave of U.S. abortion bans". KREM. May 21, 2019. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
62. "Yakima locals participate in National "Stop the Bans" day of action". NBC Right Now. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
63. Mullen, Maggie (May 22, 2019). ""Stop The Bans" Gatherings Held Across The Region". www.wyomingpublicmedia.org. Retrieved May 24, 2019.

External links

• Media related to Stop the Bans at Wikimedia Commons