Capitol Police arrested 13 protesters on Tuesday morning during their demonstration against the Supreme Court’s examination of restrictions on the abortion pill mifepristone.
The Supreme Court justices are currently considering arguments on whether the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acted within its authority when it loosened restrictions to improve access to the abortion-inducing drug. Mifepristone, which is the initial pill in a two-drug combination used for medication abortion, is widely utilized as the primary method of terminating pregnancies in the United States.
Capitol Police have reported that a group of 13 protesters were observed actively moving around the Capitol grounds, engaging in the unlawful act of blocking roads and a walkway.
According to a spokesperson from the Capitol Police, the group was given a warning by our officers to cease blocking the walkway. However, they chose to disregard the warning, leading to their subsequent arrest.
Large groups of pro-abortion rights activists gathered outside the building, engaging in competing demonstrations throughout the morning. Some of them took a more assertive approach, staging sit-ins on sidewalks and roadways to make their voices heard.
The Center for Popular Democracy Action, in collaboration with the Women’s March, confirmed to ABC News on Tuesday that their members were the individuals who were arrested near the Supreme Court. According to the Capitol Police, 12 women and 1 man were taken into custody.
Rachel O’Leary Carmona, Executive Director of the Women’s March, expressed her personal connection to the cause and her determination to take action. She emphasized the importance of standing up for women’s rights and not allowing any potential threats to our bodily autonomy to go unchallenged.
Scene on the ground
Protesters from different perspectives passionately expressed their views on abortion access through signs and chants, highlighting the fervor surrounding the issue.
Amidst a sea of protesters, anti-abortion activists, donning white lab coats, commenced their rally near the Supreme Court, buoyed by a chorus of supporters.
Pro-abortion rights advocates were seen holding signs during the demonstration. The signs read “bans off our bodies” and “keep abortion legal,” which is reminiscent of previous protests that took place after the Supreme Court eliminated constitutional protections for the procedure in 2022.
Protests like these have become a frequent sight at the court and other locations during important rulings on reproductive rights. Activists from both sides of the debate mobilize to advocate for stricter regulations or, conversely, for easier access to abortion and other reproductive healthcare options.
