Bans Off Our Bodies rally draws 2,000 protesters

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Controversy continues after a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion appeared to overturn the historic Roe v. Wade.

An estimated 2,000 people gathered in downtown Nashville on Saturday for the Bans Off Our Bodies rally. If Roe sues Wade to be overturned, Tennessee’s triggering law would ban abortions in the state for 30 days.

Protesters on both sides of the aisle agreed that if Roe were toppled, it would be a historic and significant moment.

Francie Hunt, CEO of Tennessee Advocates, said: “I think people are on fire and angry about the leak that revealed that the direction of the Supreme Court was to rescind Roe and take away the rights altogether. our body autonomy and abortion,” said Francie Hunt, CEO of Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood.

For those living in Nashville who passed Roe v. Wade in 1973, they say that defending the right to abortion is like déjà vu.

“How could they think of doing something like this? After 50 years of freedom and choosing their own body, how in the world did they think they would get away with this? Nashville resident Amanda Casha said.

Saturday’s protest began at Legislative Plaza and ended with a march to federal court.

“We get better respect than having someone attack us over something as basic as motherhood. No, it’s not going to happen,” said Casha.

Pro-life advocates argue that overturning Roe v. Wade is a step in the right direction.

“There will be more people, there will be more love. And you never know who that person is if you don’t have an abortion and what they will become,” said Jeff Coleman, professional life advocate.

Coleman said he believes it is not enough to overturn Roe.

“It won’t be completely overturned, it will be brought back to the states. And there are some states that will go all out and still allow the killing of children,” Coleman said.

Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood leaders have said they have no plans to close in Tennessee. If Roe is ousted and abortion becomes illegal in the state, it plans to connect patients with resources outside the state.

“I think the middle point is that they respect their body autonomy, and if they don’t believe in abortion, they don’t need to have an abortion,” Hunt said.