News & Politics

A Big Abortion Rights Protest Is Happening Saturday. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Thousands of pro-choice activists are expected to show up.

Photograph by Evy Mages .

This Saturday, pro-choice demonstrators are expected to gather on the National Mall as part of the “Bans Off Our Bodies” Day of Action for Abortion Rights. The event—organized by Women’s March, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the Service Employees International Union, and other pro-abortion-rights organizations— comes after Politico published a leaked draft opinion that indicates the Supreme Court is set to overturn Roe v. Wade. Also, there will be more than 370 events in various cities across the country.

The goal of the protests is to demonstrate the overwhelming support for abortion rights across the country and urge elected officials to pass legislation to protect abortion access. “This Saturday we are taking to the streets to express our outrage—and our determination,” Planned Parenthood Action Fund executive director Kelley Robinson said in a press statement on Monday. “Abortion access is in crisis, and Planned Parenthood organizations are proud to stand with partners and hundreds of thousands of people nationwide to come together and show that we reject the rollback of our rights and freedoms.”

Here’s what you need to know about Saturday’s march.

When and where is it?

Attendees will gather at the northeast side of the Washington Monument (Constitution Ave., NW & 15th St., NW) for a rally at 12 PM. The crowd will begin marching east along Constitution Avenue, NW toward the Supreme Court at 2 PM.

Who will speak?

Moderated by Planned Parenthood Action Fund executive director Kelley Robinson, the march and rally will feature speakers from Women’s March, Emily’s List, the SEIU, and other abortion justice organizations. Congresswoman Barbara Lee and DC Councilmember Janeese Lewis George will also give remarks.

How many people are expected to attend?

According to the National Park Service, the permit for the event lists an expected attendance of 17,000 people.

Will there be street closures?

The Metropolitan Police Department has released a list of streets that will be closed to traffic and parking on Saturday.

These streets will be closed to parking from 6 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, May 14:

  • 7th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
  • Constitution Avenue from Pennsylvania Avenue to 15th Street, NW
  • 12th Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Madison Drive, NW
  • 14th Street between Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
  • Pennsylvania Avenue from 12th Street to 14th Street, NW
  • 13th Street between E Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

These streets will be closed to vehicle traffic from 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, May 14:

  • 9th Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Constitution Avenue, NW
  • 12th Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Constitution Avenue, NW
  • 14th Street between F Street, NW and Independence Avenue, SW
  • Constitution Avenue between 14th Street and 15th Street, NW
  • SE/SW Freeway-Access to 12th Street Tunnel from I-395 ramp
  • Inbound I-395 (14th Street Bridge) – All traffic will be sent eastbound on I-395
  • Inbound I-395 (14th Street Bridge – HOV) – All traffic will be sent eastbound on I-395

These streets will be closed to vehicle traffic from 11 AM to 6 PM on Saturday, May 14:

  • Pennsylvania Avenue, NW from 12th Street to 15th Street, NW
  • 13th Street from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Can you watch remotely?

Women’s March will be live-streaming the event on their Facebook page and YouTube channel. You can also watch the event on the Facebook pages of the other lead organizations.

Will there be similar events in Maryland and Virginia?

There will be a march in Baltimore and a rally in Frederick. Other events are still being planned in the area.

 

This story will be updated as more information and events are released.

Damare Baker
Research Editor

Before becoming Research Editor, Damare Baker was an Editorial Fellow and Assistant Editor for Washingtonian. She has previously written for Voice of America and The Hill. She is a graduate of Georgetown University, where she studied international relations, Korean, and journalism.