Opposing voices in the abortion debate will meet Saturday at the foot of San Francisco’s Market Street for competing events marking the 37th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade ruling.
The anti-abortion group organizing the annual Walk for Life West Coast will rally at 11 a.m. at Justin Herman Plaza. Organizers say they are expecting 35,000 people for their event, which includes a two-mile march through Fisherman’s Wharf to the Marina Green.
An hour earlier, at 10 a.m., the Bay Area Coalition for Our Reproductive Rights will stage their own rally, also at Justin Herman Plaza. They are preparing a counter-demonstration along the same route at 11:30 a.m.
The Walk for Life event plans talks by speakers “exposing abuses in the abortion industry” and on what organizers claim is exploitation of women. The group started the event, held on the Saturday nearest to the Roe v. Wade decision, in San Francisco in 2005.
The Supreme Court issued its decision legalizing abortion on Jan. 22, 1973.
The pro-choice event will include “anti-abortion health care bill die-ins,” “queer kiss-ins,” hip-hop and other musical performances, as well as talks by community leaders.
Both groups said the rallies will be peaceful.
Photo from the Jan 25, 2008 opposing rallies by Steve Rhodes
