Hundreds of people march through Milwaukee to protest overturning of Roe v Wade
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Milwaukee Friday to rally support for abortion rights and express their anger at the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade. They first gathered at Red Arrow Park before marching for miles.
Many protesters said they had complicated emotions, including sadness, uncertainty, and anger.
The Supreme Court decision was not a surprise, the abortion rights supporters knew it was coming. But it still sparked raw, visceral emotions in people who are scared for their future.
Brynn Andres said, "I was sad, angry, infuriated."
Hundreds of abortion rights supporters are marching through the streets of Milwaukee.
— Adam Rife (@AdamRifeReports) June 25, 2022
“Abortion bans have got to go”
“Pro-life is a lie, you don’t care if people die”
“No justice, no peace” pic.twitter.com/PIsre1gImI
Reverend Robin D. Kullick said, "I am furious, absolutely furious."
Hundreds of people from several community coalitions joined forces to speak out against a decision they say does not represent the will of the people.
Lex, from the Party for Socialism & Liberation, said, "Today is not a good day for justice."
First, speakers addressed a crowd that was holding signs promising to not back down and to not give up the fight for access to abortion care.
But the finality of the Supreme Court decision still weighed heavy on those gathered.
Some signs from the rally: pic.twitter.com/eQIplSmRSg
— Adam Rife (@AdamRifeReports) June 24, 2022
Alyson Chavez of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin said, "This is a dark, devastating day for all of us in Wisconsin, and for the United States."
But the protest sparked renewed efforts to mobilize. Chavez explained Planned Parenthood staff trained in Illinois Friday, where abortion remains legal. And they'll go back again next week as Illinois clinics prepare for tens of thousands of new patients.
The crowd chanted, "Abortion is health care! Abortion is health care!"
Then they took to the streets. With self-appointed marshals and escorts blocking off traffic, and supporters honking from their cars, they marched for miles.
The march was so long it stretched several city blocks as they went through the streets of Milwaukee. It was so long there were several different chants happening along the route.
Hours later they arrived back where they started, energized to face an uncertain post-Roe world.
Protester Nadiyah Burrell said, "I hope that they understand that we're not going away, they cannot control our bodies, they cannot silence us."
Planned Parenthood has said for weeks the Wisconsin facilities will stay open to offer other critical health services. And they're adding staff in preparation for the influx of patients to Illinois.
We talked to several organizers throughout the evening, as well as MPD officers tasked with keeping the protesters safe. They all said there were no safety issues during the rally or march.