Several hundred anti-abortion and pro-choice activists gathered in front of the Supreme Court building on Tuesday as the justices listened to oral arguments in the significant abortion-pill case, Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. Food and Drug Administration (AHM v. FDA).
The case revolves around whether the FDA should reimpose specific restrictions on the abortion medication mifepristone that were eliminated in 2016, including the prohibition of dispensing the pills through mail or telemedicine, a change made during the Biden administration.
At the anti-abortion demonstration, supporters played loud music to drown out the voices of pro-choice speakers.
Pro-choice demonstrators, many dressed in pink attire, displayed homemade signs with messages like “Leave my mifepristone alone,” while some signs carried profane content and derided conservative Supreme Court justices.
On the other side, anti-abortion activists held signs advocating against chemical abortion and emphasizing the importance of women’s health, alongside engaging in prayer sessions.
At certain points, Capitol Police had to intervene as tensions rose between the two groups, leading to face-to-face confrontations and slogan shouting.
Insights from Participants
‘My Daughter Has Rights’
Savannah Evans, a pro-life advocate from Live Action, traveled from Florida to join the demonstration. At 34 weeks pregnant, she boldly displayed her baby bump with the words “Human Too” inscribed on it, stressing her belief in the sanctity of life from conception.
‘Force the FDA to Do Their Job’
Ken Meekins, a student from George Mason University, expressed concerns about the risks associated with the abortion pill and advocated for stricter regulations to safeguard women’s health.
Countering Voices
Members of “Catholics for Choice” like Ashley Wilson and Kate Hoeting challenged the traditional Catholic stance on abortion, highlighting the disagreement with bishops and advocating for women’s autonomy in decision-making.
‘I Came to D.C. Today to Stand Up for My Patients’
Dr. Susan Bane, an OB-GYN from North Carolina and a member of AAPLOG, emphasized the dangers of mifepristone and the necessity of medical supervision during its administration to prevent life-threatening complications.
‘Science Tells Us That There Is a Life in the Womb’
Hayden Laye from Democrats for Life of America underscored his belief in the scientific evidence supporting the existence of life in the womb, expressing his opposition to abortion based on his Democratic values.
‘We Look to Protect the Women and Children of Texas’
Jade and Casey Casias traveled from Texas to advocate for pro-life measures, particularly in response to the case originating in their state, emphasizing the importance of protecting women’s safety in abortion practices.
‘Pray; Pray; Pray. I Think That’s the Answer’
Joan McKee, a Catholic pro-life supporter from D.C., highlighted the power of prayer in seeking an end to abortion and the conversion of individuals supporting abortion rights.