More than 100 arrested, including Democratic lawmaker, at pro-abortion rally in US capital

More than 100 people were arrested in Washington, D.C., including a Democratic congresswoman, during a protest in support of abortion rights on a street near the US Supreme Court, police said Thursday.

“We arrested 181 people for Crowding, Obstructing or Incommoding (DC Code § 22–1307) for blocking the intersection of Constitution Avenue, NE and First Street, NE,” said the Capitol Police in a tweet.

Among them was Rep. Judy Chu, who represents California.

The demonstrators were protesting a Supreme Court ruling that last week struck down Roe v. Wade, a landmark 1973 case which established the constitutional right to an abortion.

“When I first heard Roe was overturned, I immediately thought of who would be most harmed by this decision: a young girl who is a survivor of rape, a woman who cannot afford to travel to another state to access critical care, an expecting mother with an ectopic pregnancy whose life is in danger because she cannot have an abortion,” Chu said in a statement released by her office.

“So, when I think of all these women — and more — the decision to join in a peaceful demonstration to make clear we will not allow the clock to be rolled back on abortion rights was easy,” she added.

The protest was organized by Planned Parenthood.

On June 24 in a 6-3 vote, the court struck down the 1973 case, eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion after almost 50 years. President Joe Biden slammed the decision, saying it took the US back 150 years. (Anadolu Agency)