Thousands of abortion rights opponents are in San Francisco this weekend for the annual Walk for Life West Coast.
It’s the 22nd year of the event. As Saturday’s rally and march were happening, abortion rights activists gathered nearby to make their voices heard.
Thousands of anti-abortion rights advocates from the Bay Area and beyond were on the move down Market Street.
“We’re here because we believe the pro-life issue is the number one issue facing our community, the Black community, and we want to do more along those lines,” said Walter Hoye from Fremont.
This event is held annually around the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, which ruled abortion as a constitutionally protected right. The court struck down the ruling in 2022, leaving the issue for states to decide.
“Abortion should be unthinkable. It’s the killing of a child, unthinkable. It shouldn’t be available,” said Eva Muntean from Walk for Life West Coast.
According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, 13 states have enacted total abortion bans. Seven other states are enforcing partial bans.
“It’s a step in the right direction. It needs to be outlawed nationwide,” said Lori Hoye from Fremont.
Earlier in the day, people filled Civic Center Plaza for a rally.
Across the plaza, abortion rights activists held a counter demonstration.
“We are here to oppose what they are calling for, which is removing the rights that allow all of us to live our lives the way we want to,” said Kristina Lee from Reproductive Justice San Francisco.
The California Department of Justice says it’s committed to keeping abortion legal, safe and accessible in the state.
“People need to be free to control their reproductive lives in all 50 states and the world,” Lee said.
Saturday’s rally and walk was peaceful.
