On Wednesday, December 1, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, and for the second time this fall, Chicago activists will host an abortion rights rally at Federal Plaza.
After SB 8 in Texas, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization is the next biggest abortion case SCOTUS will hear this year, and if passed, abortion will become illegal in Mississippi after 15 weeks. Residents of the state will be forced to travel for care in the already severely restricted South.
Abortion rights in Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas and Louisiana are all considered “severely restricted,” according to Planned Parenthood. Those states’ restrictions include 48-72 hour waiting periods, required parental consent and prohibited insurance coverage.
Activists fear that the wrong decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization will ignite further abortion bans across other severely restricted states and continue to normalize anti-abortion legislation in the wake of SB 8, as well was undermine the fundamental rights set out in Roe v. Wade.
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization is all about viability, as Roe v. Wade is focused on protecting the right to abortion before a fetus can survive outside of the womb, usually around 22-24 weeks. Because of this, states cannot pass laws that would cause “undue burden” for someone seeking an abortion before the 24-week mark.
Abortion rights rallies are also planned Wednesday outside the U.S. Supreme Court and in Jackson, Mississippi.
Rebellious Magazine will be live at Chicago’s Defend Roe rally for abortion rights on Wednesday, December 1 beginning at 5 p.m. at Federal Plaza, at Adams and Dearborn. The event is hosted in collaboration with multiple Chicago and Illinois-based organizations, including Chicago Abortion Fund, Gay Liberation Network, Planned Parenthood of Illinois and more.
The high Wednesday will be 50 degrees, and the low 30 degrees – event organizers have advised protestors to dress warmly with layers, bring gloves and wear masks. Parking will be limited, taking public transportation is suggested.
