Abortion rights advocates take to Boston streets for a second day to protest Supreme Court's Dobbs ruling

Abortion rights advocates took to the streets of Boston again Saturday to express their outrage over the Supreme Court’s Friday ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade and declared that abortion is no longer a right guaranteed by the Constitution.

After thousands gathered in Boston streets Friday night, a smaller group gathered in front of the State House Saturday afternoon and then marched to Government Center. A second group gathered on the Boston Common Saturday evening.

Caroline Norton, a 28-year-old medical student from Amherst, said that because abortion is a medical procedure, medical professionals should perform it, and it should not be a political issue. Norton added that the decision will more heavily impact women of color.

“I think the healthcare disparities right now are such that black women have the highest infant mortality rate in the county,” said Norton, who wore her white coat to the protest. “It’s very disproportionately large.”

Camelia Rosca, 51, said she believes the ruling won’t just affect Americans, saying that a “threat to anyone is a threat to everyone.”

“The world still looks at the United States as an example,” said Rosca, who is originally from Romania but moved to Massachusetts 27 years ago. “Now groups all over the world are looking at the U.S. and are reconsidering what's going to happen in their countries.”

As protesters marched from the State House to Government Center Saturday afternoon, Alex Kresock, a 27-year-old residing in Somerville, called out Justice Brett Kavanaugh by name.

“I’m speaking to you, Kavanaugh, and all of your superiors and cronies, who are basically utilizing women,” Kresock told GBH News. “You are abusing them sexually, and you do not even know it.”

“This is a slap in the face to women everywhere,” he continued. “It’s their body, not yours; you did not go to medical school, you went to law school.”

Later in the day, more than 100 protesters gathered in Boston Public Garden and marched down Newbury Street.

Marchers said it is now critical to get abortion rights written into law.

“I fully understand that this is now a legislative issue it’s no longer a judicial issue,” Elizabeth Hudson, an organizer of the event, told GBH News. “I’m upset with the lack of action.”

Amid chants of “Abort the Court” and “My Body, My Choice” bystanders clapped and drivers honked their horns to express their support.

Orianne Greene said she sees this as only the beginning of a long and arduous fight.

“I think the next steps is figuring out a way to codify Roe in law,” Greene said, “One day is not enough this is a fight that we need to continue so I will be donating my time and my resources and my funds to try and help.”

Josh Suh a pre-law student from California said he and his date were dining on Newbury Street, saw the protest and decided to join.

“Sitting down and actually reading the opinion, reading the absolute trash being spouted by some of the people, it’s frustrating as pre-law students,” he said.

Kana Ruhalter and Fernando Cervantes, Jr., are GBH News interns.