Caitlin Loehr, 34, of Washington, wore a black T-shirt with an image of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s “dissent” collar on it and a necklace that spelled out “vote.”
“I think that women should have the right to choose what to do with their bodies and their lives. And I don’t think banning abortion will stop abortion. It just makes it unsafe and can cost a woman her life,” Loehr said.
A half-dozen anti-abortion demonstrators sent out a countering message, with Jonathan Darnel shouting into a microphone, “Abortion is not health care, folks, because pregnancy is not an illness.”
From Pittsburgh to Los Angeles, and Nashville, Tennessee, to Lubbock, Texas, tens of thousands participated in events, where chants of “Bans off our bodies!” and “My body, my choice!” rang out. The gatherings were largely peaceful, but in some cities there were tense confrontations between people on opposing sides of the issue.
Polls show that most Americans want to preserve access to abortion — at least in the earlier stages of pregnancy — but the Supreme Court appeared to be poised to let the states have the final say. If that happens, roughly half of states, mostly in the South and Midwest, are expected to quickly ban abortion.
The battle was personal for some who came out Saturday. In Seattle, some protesters carried photographic images of conservative justices' heads on sticks.
Teisha Kimmons, who traveled 80 miles to attend the Chicago rally, said she fears for women in states that are ready to ban abortion. She said she might not be alive today if she had not had a legal abortion when she was 15.
“I was already starting to self harm and I would have rather died than have a baby,” said Kimmons, a massage therapist from Rockford, Illinois.
At that rally, speaker after speaker said that if abortion is banned that the rights of immigrants, minorities and others will also be "gutted," as Amy Eshleman, wife of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot put it.
“This has never been just about abortion. It’s about control,” Eshleman told the crowd of thousands. “My marriage is on the menu and we cannot and will not let that happen."
In New York, thousands of people gathered in Brooklyn’s courthouse plaza before a march across the Brooklyn Bridge to lower Manhattan for another rally.
“We’re here for the women who can’t be here, and for the girls who are too young to know what is ahead for them,” Angela Hamlet, 60, of Manhattan, said to the backdrop of booming music.
Robin Seidon, who traveled from Montclair, New Jersey, for the rally, said the nation was at a place abortion rights supporters have long feared.
“They’ve been nibbling at the edges, and it was always a matter of time before they thought they had enough power on the Supreme Court, which they have now," said Seidon, 65.
The upcoming high court ruling in a case from Mississippi stands to energize voters, potentially shaping the upcoming midterm elections.
In Texas, which has a strict law banning many abortions, the challenger to one of the last anti-abortion Democrats in Congress marched in San Antonio.
Jessica Cisneros joined demonstrators just days before early voting begins in her primary runoff against U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, which could be one of the first tests over whether the court leak will galvanize voters.
In Chicago, Kjirsten Nyquist, a nurse toting daughters ages 1 and 3, agreed about the need to vote. “As much as federal elections, voting in every small election matters just as much,” she said.
At many of the rallies, speakers put the issue in stark terms, saying people will die if abortions are outlawed.
In Los Angeles, high-profile lawyer Gloria Allred recounted how she could not get a legal abortion after being raped at gunpoint in the 1960s. She said she ended up having life-threatening bleeding after a “back alley” abortion.
“I want you to vote as though your lives depend on it, because they do,” she told the crowd.
___
Sharp reported from Portland, Maine. Associated Press writers Don Babwin in Chicago, David Porter in New York, Paul Weber in San Antonio, and Jacquelyn Martin, Gary Fields and Anna Johnson in Washington contributed to this report.
CaptionAn abortion rights march extends down the streets during a demonstration from the National Mall to the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, Saturday, May 14, 2022. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades)
Credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades
Credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades
Caption An abortion rights march extends down the streets during a demonstration from the National Mall to the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, Saturday, May 14, 2022. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades)
Credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades
Credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades
Caption Capitol police officers on bicycles clear abortion demonstrators off the street, Saturday, May 14, 2022, outside the Supreme Court in Washington, ahead of the main march that was expected to start marching from the Washington Monument, during protests across the country. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Credit: Jacquelyn Martin
Caption Capitol police officers on bicycles clear abortion demonstrators off the street, Saturday, May 14, 2022, outside the Supreme Court in Washington, ahead of the main march that was expected to start marching from the Washington Monument, during protests across the country. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Credit: Jacquelyn Martin
Credit: Jacquelyn Martin
Caption Abortion rights demonstrators rally, Saturday, May 14, 2022, on the National Mall in Washington. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades)
Credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades
Credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades
Caption Abortion rights demonstrators rally, Saturday, May 14, 2022, on the National Mall in Washington. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades)
Credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades
Credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades
Caption "My Body My Choice" is written in marker on Ada Sadlier's thighs Saturday, May 14, 2022, as part of the nationwide Bans Off Our Bodies Rally in Brownsville, Texas. The rally comes following a leaked draft opinion by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito last week, that suggests the conservative justices are prepared to overturn Roe v. Wade. (Denise Cathey/The Brownsville Herald via AP)
Credit: Denise Cathey
Caption "My Body My Choice" is written in marker on Ada Sadlier's thighs Saturday, May 14, 2022, as part of the nationwide Bans Off Our Bodies Rally in Brownsville, Texas. The rally comes following a leaked draft opinion by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito last week, that suggests the conservative justices are prepared to overturn Roe v. Wade. (Denise Cathey/The Brownsville Herald via AP)
Credit: Denise Cathey
Credit: Denise Cathey
Caption A woman attends an abortion-rights rally at the Utah State Capitol Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Credit: Rick Bowmer
Caption A woman attends an abortion-rights rally at the Utah State Capitol Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Credit: Rick Bowmer
Credit: Rick Bowmer
Caption Abortion rights demonstrators rally, Saturday, May 14, 2022, on the National Mall in Washington. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades)
Credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades
Credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades
Caption Abortion rights demonstrators rally, Saturday, May 14, 2022, on the National Mall in Washington. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades)
Credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades
Credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades
Caption Abortion rights demonstrators rally at Union Park in Chicago's West Town neighborhood, Saturday morning, May 14, 2022. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (Pat Nabong /Chicago Sun-Times via AP)
Credit: Pat Nabong
Caption Abortion rights demonstrators rally at Union Park in Chicago's West Town neighborhood, Saturday morning, May 14, 2022. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (Pat Nabong /Chicago Sun-Times via AP)
Credit: Pat Nabong
Credit: Pat Nabong
Caption Abortion rights demonstrators attend a rally at the Texas Capitol, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Austin, Texas. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. More (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Credit: Eric Gay
Caption Abortion rights demonstrators attend a rally at the Texas Capitol, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Austin, Texas. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. More (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Credit: Eric Gay
Credit: Eric Gay
Caption An abortion rights demonstrator holds a sign during a rally at the Texas Capitol, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Austin, Texas. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. More (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Credit: Eric Gay
Caption An abortion rights demonstrator holds a sign during a rally at the Texas Capitol, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Austin, Texas. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. More (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Credit: Eric Gay
Credit: Eric Gay
Caption Abortion rights demonstrators rally at the Capitol in Austin, Texas, on Saturday May 14, 2022. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
Credit: Jay Janner
Caption Abortion rights demonstrators rally at the Capitol in Austin, Texas, on Saturday May 14, 2022. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
Credit: Jay Janner
Credit: Jay Janner
Caption Abortion rights demonstrators rally in Chicago's West Town neighborhood, Saturday morning, May 14, 2022. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (Pat Nabong /Chicago Sun-Times via AP)
Credit: Pat Nabong
Caption Abortion rights demonstrators rally in Chicago's West Town neighborhood, Saturday morning, May 14, 2022. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (Pat Nabong /Chicago Sun-Times via AP)
Credit: Pat Nabong
Credit: Pat Nabong
Caption Maryam and Riley Brotine sit on the grass while holding a Ruth Bader Ginsburg during a protest Saturday morning, May 14, 2022. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (Pat Nabong /Chicago Sun-Times via AP)
Credit: Pat Nabong
Caption Maryam and Riley Brotine sit on the grass while holding a Ruth Bader Ginsburg during a protest Saturday morning, May 14, 2022. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (Pat Nabong /Chicago Sun-Times via AP)
Credit: Pat Nabong
Credit: Pat Nabong
Caption New York Attorney General Letitia James, front row third from right, marches with protestors across the Brooklyn Bridge during an abortion rights demonstration, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in New York. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon)
Credit: Jeenah Moon
Caption New York Attorney General Letitia James, front row third from right, marches with protestors across the Brooklyn Bridge during an abortion rights demonstration, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in New York. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon)
Credit: Jeenah Moon
Credit: Jeenah Moon
Caption Protestors begin crossing the Brooklyn Bridge during an abortion rights demonstration, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in New York. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon)
Credit: Jeenah Moon
Caption Protestors begin crossing the Brooklyn Bridge during an abortion rights demonstration, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in New York. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon)
Credit: Jeenah Moon
Credit: Jeenah Moon
Caption Protesters hold up signs during an abortion rights demonstration, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in New York. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon)
Credit: Jeenah Moon
Caption Protesters hold up signs during an abortion rights demonstration, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in New York. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon)
Credit: Jeenah Moon
Credit: Jeenah Moon
Caption Michelle Vancil-Osborne rallies for abortion rights at the Capitol, in Austin, Texas, on Saturday May 14, 2022. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. ( Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
Credit: Jay Janner
Caption Michelle Vancil-Osborne rallies for abortion rights at the Capitol, in Austin, Texas, on Saturday May 14, 2022. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. ( Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
Credit: Jay Janner
Credit: Jay Janner
Caption People rally for abortion rights at the Capitol, in Austin, Texas, on Saturday May 14, 2022. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. ( Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
Credit: Jay Janner
Caption People rally for abortion rights at the Capitol, in Austin, Texas, on Saturday May 14, 2022. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. ( Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP)
Credit: Jay Janner
Credit: Jay Janner
Caption People attend an abortion-rights rally at the Utah State Capitol Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Credit: Rick Bowmer
Caption People attend an abortion-rights rally at the Utah State Capitol Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion.(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Credit: Rick Bowmer
Credit: Rick Bowmer
Caption An attendee at Planned Parenthood's Bans Off Our Bodies rally for abortion rights holds a sign reading "Idaho the women as property state" outside of the Idaho Statehouse in downtown Boise, Idaho, on Saturday, May 14, 2022. (Sarah A. Miller/Idaho Statesman via AP)
Credit: Sarah A. Miller
Caption An attendee at Planned Parenthood's Bans Off Our Bodies rally for abortion rights holds a sign reading "Idaho the women as property state" outside of the Idaho Statehouse in downtown Boise, Idaho, on Saturday, May 14, 2022. (Sarah A. Miller/Idaho Statesman via AP)
Credit: Sarah A. Miller
Credit: Sarah A. Miller
Caption Jacqueline Von Edelbe stands holds a sign with other Abortion rights demonstrators Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Chicago. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)
Credit: Matt Marton
Caption Jacqueline Von Edelbe stands holds a sign with other Abortion rights demonstrators Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Chicago. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)
Credit: Matt Marton
Credit: Matt Marton
Caption Demonstrators attend an abortion rights protest Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion. (Cara Owsley /The Cincinnati Enquirer via AP)
Credit: Cara Owsley
Caption Demonstrators attend an abortion rights protest Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion. (Cara Owsley /The Cincinnati Enquirer via AP)
Credit: Cara Owsley
Credit: Cara Owsley
Caption Protesters cross the Brooklyn Bridge during an abortion rights demonstration, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in New York. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon)
Credit: Jeenah Moon
Caption Protesters cross the Brooklyn Bridge during an abortion rights demonstration, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in New York. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women's right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Jeenah Moon)
Credit: Jeenah Moon
Credit: Jeenah Moon
Caption Capitol police officers on bicycles clear abortion rights demonstrators off the street, Saturday, May 14, 2022, outside the Supreme Court in Washington, ahead of the main march that was expected to start marching from the Washington Monument, during protests across the country. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Credit: Jacquelyn Martin
Caption Capitol police officers on bicycles clear abortion rights demonstrators off the street, Saturday, May 14, 2022, outside the Supreme Court in Washington, ahead of the main march that was expected to start marching from the Washington Monument, during protests across the country. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Credit: Jacquelyn Martin
Credit: Jacquelyn Martin
Caption People hold signs and cheer during a protest and rally for abortion rights, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Seattle. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Credit: Ted S. Warren
Caption People hold signs and cheer during a protest and rally for abortion rights, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Seattle. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Credit: Ted S. Warren
Credit: Ted S. Warren
Caption A person holds a sign that reads "Hands Off Our Rights" during a protest and rally for abortion rights, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Seattle. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Credit: Ted S. Warren
Caption A person holds a sign that reads "Hands Off Our Rights" during a protest and rally for abortion rights, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Seattle. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Credit: Ted S. Warren
Credit: Ted S. Warren
Caption U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., speaks during a protest and rally for abortion rights, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Seattle. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Credit: Ted S. Warren
Caption U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., speaks during a protest and rally for abortion rights, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Seattle. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Credit: Ted S. Warren
Credit: Ted S. Warren
Caption A person holds a coat hanger and sign during a protest and rally for abortion rights, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Seattle. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Credit: Ted S. Warren
Caption A person holds a coat hanger and sign during a protest and rally for abortion rights, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Seattle. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Credit: Ted S. Warren
Credit: Ted S. Warren
Caption Abortion rights demonstrators raise their fists and signs during a rally, Saturday, May 14, 2022, on the National Mall in Washington. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades)
Credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades
Credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades
Caption Abortion rights demonstrators raise their fists and signs during a rally, Saturday, May 14, 2022, on the National Mall in Washington. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades)
Credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades
Credit: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades
Caption Women lead a march for abortion rights in San Francisco on Saturday, May 14, 2022. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Credit: Noah Berger
Caption Women lead a march for abortion rights in San Francisco on Saturday, May 14, 2022. Demonstrators are rallying from coast to coast in the face of an anticipated Supreme Court decision that could overturn women’s right to an abortion. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Credit: Noah Berger
Credit: Noah Berger
Caption EDS NOTE: OBSCENITY - An abortion-rights demonstrator, left, argues with a man, at right, who holds anti-abortion views outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Saturday, May 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Credit: Jacquelyn Martin
Caption EDS NOTE: OBSCENITY - An abortion-rights demonstrator, left, argues with a man, at right, who holds anti-abortion views outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Saturday, May 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Credit: Jacquelyn Martin
Credit: Jacquelyn Martin
Caption Abortion-rights demonstrators hold up letters spelling out "My Choice," Saturday, May 14, 2022, outside the Supreme Court in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Credit: Jacquelyn Martin
Caption Abortion-rights demonstrators hold up letters spelling out "My Choice," Saturday, May 14, 2022, outside the Supreme Court in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Credit: Jacquelyn Martin
Credit: Jacquelyn Martin
Caption Protesters carry images of Supreme Court Justices on sticks as they take part in a march in favor of abortion rights, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in downtown Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Credit: Ted S. Warren
Caption Protesters carry images of Supreme Court Justices on sticks as they take part in a march in favor of abortion rights, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in downtown Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Credit: Ted S. Warren
Credit: Ted S. Warren
