'A real victory for life:' Austin abortion opponents celebrate overturn of Roe v. Wade

Fernanda Figueroa, Austin American-Statesman
·3 min read
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Gathering Saturday at the Capitol, abortion opponents prayed and rejoiced over Friday's ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and the Texas law that now makes it illegal to perform an abortion in the state.

Overturning Roe v. Wade was long overdue, said Rose King, who was at the event, which was organized by Texas Right to Life, a nonprofit that opposes abortion.

"It's a real victory for life and for babies," King said. "It's been a long time. ... We believe in the right for life, and it's a victory for unborn babies."

The court’s ruling — which reversed previous Supreme Court rulings that had established federal constitutional protections for abortion — led to an end of abortions being performed in Texas due to a “trigger law” set to go into effect in the coming weeks. It will be a felony to perform an abortion at any point during a pregnancy. Planned Parenthood and Whole Woman’s Health clinics stopped performing abortions in Texas after Friday’s decision.

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John Seago, president of Texas Right to Life, speaks to a group of anti-abortion activists gathered Saturday outside the Capitol. He said his organization will join with other advocacy groups to provide support to women who find themselves with an unplanned pregnancy.
John Seago, president of Texas Right to Life, speaks to a group of anti-abortion activists gathered Saturday outside the Capitol. He said his organization will join with other advocacy groups to provide support to women who find themselves with an unplanned pregnancy.

After Friday's ruling, a number of protests took place across the nation, with demonstrators criticizing the court's decision. King said she'd like to see the nation come together and have those who disagree with each other over abortion access listen to each other without anger or hate.

Kim Schwartz, a spokesperson for Texas Right to Life, called Saturday's rally at the Capitol "a celebration 50 years in the making."

"For decades, we worked for this moment. Everyday Americans prayed for this moment for years. Now we join together to thank God," Schwartz said. "The decision to overturn Roe means that states will once again have the authority to defend preborn children from the slaughter of abortion. Now the battle will continue state by state, and we won't stop until every innocent human life is protected."

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Megan Roos, 18, said she was at work when she found out that Roe v. Wade had been overturned.

"I was so excited. I went and showed all my family, and I am really excited to be here today," Roos said

Roos said she was surprised, thinking such a ruling from the high court might not come for years.

Roos said she believes the high court's ruling and the steps taken in more than 20 states to limit abortion are evidence that opinions about abortion are changing nationally.

More: 'Why are we moving backward?': Austin crowds protest Roe v. Wade ruling, Texas abortion law

Jerry Sharp III of Austin holds a sign at Saturday's rally by abortion opponents.
Jerry Sharp III of Austin holds a sign at Saturday's rally by abortion opponents.

Roos said she was pleased by the Texas law that will prevent abortions from being performed in the state.

"I think anything that helps to save lives is exciting," she said.

Texas Right to Life President John Seago said the high court's ruling "is not the end of the book."

He said the organization will join with other advocacy groups to provide support to women who find themselves with an unplanned pregnancy.

"We can't just stop abortion," he said. "We want to be pro-life."

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Overturn of Roe v Wade celebrated by Austin pro-life advocates