These Photos Show How Divisive The Debate On Abortion Is In The US
As multiple states move to impose far-reaching restrictions on abortion, these pictures show how demonstrators on both sides have made their voices heard on the issue.
On Wednesday, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a what is now the strictest abortion law in the US, making nearly all abortions in the state illegal when it goes into effect.
The debate on the legality of abortion in the US reached critical mass following the 2016 election of President Donald Trump, who has since confirmed two conservative-leaning Supreme Court justices, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, both of whom will play a vital role in either upholding or dismantling the landmark 1973 decision Roe v. Wade, which established a woman's constitutional right to end a pregnancy.
These pictures show how both pro–abortion rights advocates and anti-abortion demonstrators have taken to the streets and raised their voices for what they believe in.
Demonstrators dressed in Handmaid's Tale costumes hold a sign at the third annual Women's March in Washington, DC, on Jan. 19.
An anti-abortion protester holds a sign while demonstrating outside the Colorado Springs Westside Health Center on Feb. 11, 2017.
An abortion rights activist brandishes a sign that says "If My Uterus Shot Bullets Would You Stop Regulating It?!" in front of Trump International Hotel during the Women's March in Manhattan on Jan. 19.
Outside of the Choices Women Medical Clinic, anti-abortion activists attempt to dissuade patients from seeking an abortion on July 28, 2018, in Jamaica, Queens, New York.
Protesters hold posters in support of Planned Parenthood on June 21, 2017, in Washington, DC.
Anti-abortion activists gather to protest in Philadelphia on May 10.
Demonstrators show their support for Planned Parenthood and reproductive rights on Feb. 10, 2017, in Chicago.
Anti-abortion demonstrators set up a cross display in front of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Jan. 27, 2017.
Supporters of Planned Parenthood gather in Los Angeles on June 21, 2017.
Women who say they have had abortions walk with thousands of anti-abortion demonstrators during the annual March for Life in Washington, DC, on Jan. 27, 2017.
Women protest the controversial "heartbeat bill" in Ohio, or HB258, which bans abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, in Columbus on Dec. 12, 2018.
Randall Terry of the anti-abortion group Operation Rescue speaks outside the White House on July 9, 2018, in Washington, DC.
An anti-abortion marcher carries a picture of Jesus during a rally at the Supreme Court during the 46th annual March for Life in Washington, DC, on Jan. 18, 2019.
A protester holds a coat hanger as an emblem of the pro–abortion rights movement during a protest against the controversial "heartbeat bill" in Columbus, Ohio, on Dec. 12, 2018.
Abortion rights activists hold signs in response to anti-abortion activists participating in the March for Life in Washington, DC, on Jan. 18.
Anti-abortion protesters demonstrate outside of the Colorado Springs Westside Health Center on Feb. 11, 2017.
Abortion rights advocates protest in front of the Alabama State House as the state Senate votes on the strictest anti-abortion bill in the US in Montgomery on May 14.
Anti-abortion activists prepare to leave after confronting a small group of abortion rights advocates on July 9, 2018, in Chicago.
Demonstrators voice their support for Planned Parenthood and reproductive rights on Feb. 10, 2017, in Chicago.
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Gabriel H. Sanchez is the photo essay editor for BuzzFeed News and is based in New York City.
Contact Gabriel H. Sanchez at gabriel.sanchez@buzzfeed.com.
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