On Saturday, pro-abortion activists across the country to gather for various "Bans Off Our Bodies" protests in light of the U.S. Supreme Court looking to overturn Roe v. Wade, as evidenced by a draft opinion leaked earlier this month. With the mainstream media being so fond of the movement and sympathetic to the pro-abortion side, the protests received glowing coverage as well as trended on social media.
The following morning, the Sunday shows provided coverage as well. ABC's "This Week" not only referenced the protests, but had on pro-abortion and "devout Catholic" House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to discuss. Pelosi also mentioned the protests while on CNN's "State of the Union." And NBC's "Meet the Press" discussed the protests as well.
Coinciding with the "#BansOffOurBodies," trend, Twitter users were invited to check out "With fear and fury, thousands across U.S. rally for abortion rights," by The Washington Post. The outlet published many more pieces about the protests as well.
There was certainly "fury" all right, as there has been "rage," and other similar "call to arms," including from public figures and elected officials no less. That "call to arms" line came from Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot over Twitter last week, as Spencer highlighted. Mayor Lightfoot also referred to how Chicago will become a "safe haven" and an "oasis" for abortion in the Midwest.
Pro-abortion protesters have been harassing in nature when it comes to protesting at the homes of justices, and interrupting church services. They've even become violent, as they've firebombed and threatened pro-life organizations.
Democratic leaders and the White House have laughed it off or even said they "encourage." While the Biden administration did ensure further protection for Supreme Court justices on Thursday, it came after much pressure from Republicans.
A simple search of the "#BansOffOurBodies" trend on Twitter for Sunday morning brings up vulgar and even inciting signs and tweets.
The #BansOffOurBodies protests across the nation are an amazing thing to behold. Conservatives fucked around. They are about to find out.
— Derrick is PRO CHOICE? #BLM ???? (@Spawn_03) May 14, 2022
Ok ladies you are winning so far for the best sign I have seen???????? #BansOffOurBody #BansOffOurBodies pic.twitter.com/g0D0wFOdPX
— ????Skyleigh Heinen???? (@Sky_Lee_1) May 14, 2022
#BansOffOurBodies if you come after women, we have no choice to retaliate. Be warned Republicans & SCOTUS. pic.twitter.com/Z56J0faqe2
— Dee (@dshanico) May 14, 2022
A particularly crude and popular sign making the rounds on social media, referring to "blowjobs" as "cannibalism," also reflected a basic denial of biology by mocking those who call out abortion as murder. A human life is not involved until the sperm fertilizes the egg at the moment of conception. The sign was even shared by a state representative.
A++ sign at the KNOXVILLE rally… #BansOffOurBodies pic.twitter.com/d6ScweSaXG
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) May 14, 2022
— Rep. Gloria Johnson (@VoteGloriaJ) May 14, 2022
Many of these protesters claim they can't believe they have to march for this, well, we can't believe we have to explain this.
Julio tweeted footage of the protests, as did other conservative journalists, such as Mia Cathell, Mary Margaret Olohan, and Kendall Tietz.
Large pro-abortion protest happening now outside of the Supreme Court. pic.twitter.com/xUyLdShC3M
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) May 14, 2022
This thread is insane. https://t.co/ZaxJxVvfKH
— Matt Vespa (@mVespa1) May 14, 2022
— Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) May 15, 2022
Man holding a “Jesus Saves” sign tells protesters: “I’m so glad your mom didn’t abort you!”
— Kendall Tietz (@kendall_tietz) May 14, 2022
Their response: “Go home!”
He started jumping along to their chants. pic.twitter.com/zZndj6mN9Y
There were also pro-life counter-protesters in attendance to make sure that their voices were heard. The pro-life news site LifeNews.com also highlighted a piece from National Right to Life News Today's Dave Andrusko reminding that women are more pro-life than men.
Rode up to the state capital to let them know:
— L*ttie J*wpree: its happening (@prolifejewess) May 15, 2022
we are the #prolifegeneration and we will see the end of Roe v Wade. pic.twitter.com/gPziGze5Xy
They Say Overturning Roe Hurts Women, But More Women Than Men are Pro-Life https://t.co/lj6ZrUl2De pic.twitter.com/J816WgUKMQ
— LifeNews.com (@LifeNewsHQ) May 15, 2022
As Alex Christy highlighted for NewsBusters on the Saturday morning of the protests, the major media outlets were much more likely to hype and promote the pro-abortion protests, while pro-lifers were more of an afterthought.
NewsBusters has also year after year highlighted how the annual March for Life that has occurred every year to commemorate the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, is always dealt the short end of the stick when it comes to fair and equal coverage, or really any coverage at all. This was even the case in 2020, when then President Donald Trump became the first sitting president to make an appearance at the event.
While pro-abortion organizers might be energized by the marches, polling affirms that the pro-life side has the momentum when it comes to voter views and voter enthusiasm.
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