Locals react to Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade

BOSTON — Abortion rights advocates met in front of the Massachusetts State House, Friday, following the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

“I’m here to say first abortion is still legal in Massachusetts” said Rebecca Hart Holder who is the Executive Director for Reproductive Equity Now.

She and abortion rights supporters are upset with Friday’s Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe which was in place for nearly 50 years.

“64 million people of reproductive age are about to lose access to basic health care. It is not acceptable,” said Hart Holder.

But those happy with today’s 6-3 decision from the high court say it’s a long time coming.

Myrna Maloney Flynn is President of Massachusetts Citizens for Life.

“It’s the decision we were hoping for. It’s the decision we’ve been working for — for the last 50 years,” said Maloney Flynn.

Planned Parenthood says the decision is an assault on women.

“It is still devastating and it’s also very dangerous. This decision is an assault on bodily autonomy,” said  Nate Horwtiz-Willis who is the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund.

Maloney Flynn says that the real danger what she calls the lie women were told for 50 years.

“That abortion is empowering, that abortion results in equality with men and both of those are complete falsehoods,” said Maloney Flynn.

Planned Parenthood says they are prepared to help women from states where abortion is now illegal.

“Our doors are open and will remain open to anyone who comes to Massachusetts,” said Horwitz-Willis.

And both sides say the fight is not over.

“The goal of anti choice activists is not to ban abortion in 26 states it’s ban abortion is all 50 states,” said Hart Holder.

And both feel they are on the right side of history.

“We are optimistic about this next chapter of this fight to save lives,” said Maloney Flynn.

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