Each year since 1973, abortion rights activists have gathered on Jan. 22 for Roe v. Wade Day to celebrate the Supreme Court decision that granted a constitutional right to abortion.
But now, 50 years after the decision, Roe v. Wade Day will be different: Sunday will also mark the first anniversary of Roe since the ruling was overturned.
As protesters once again gather nationwide in support of reproductive rights, abortion access advocates say that instead of celebration, there will likely be a mix of more painful emotions: anger, fear, uncertainty, mourning.Still, galvanized by a surge in organizing energy after last year’s ruling, they said the day marks a new year of possibility for reproductive rights and an opportunity to reimagine abortion access from the ground up in a post-Roe world.