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In Photos: Across Connecticut, abortion rights supporters gather for 'Bans Off Our Bodies' rallies

Connecticut Public Radio
Published May 17, 2022 at 5:39 PM EDT
After an hour long rally outside the Connecticut State Capitol, several hundred Reproductive Rights Advocates block Capitol Avenue on Sunday afternoon in Hartford.
Mark Mirko
/
Connecticut Public
After an hourlong rally outside the Connecticut state Capitol in Hartford, several hundred reproductive rights advocates blocked Capitol Avenue on May 15, 2022.

Connecticut protesters joined thousands across the country for a weekend of rallies in response to the leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade.

Speaking May 17 during a Bans Off Our Bodies rally at the Connecticut State Capitol, Shanique Reid said, “I am pregnant right now and let me tell you, this is not easy. It is hot, my back hurts, my ankles are swollen, but I got to decide that I wanted to keep this pregnancy. But for anyone who doesn't want to keep a pregnancy, that is okay. We are here to make sure that everyone has the autonomy and the accessibility to go to an abortion provider.”
Mark Mirko
/
Connecticut Public
"I am pregnant right now and let me tell you, this is not easy," said Shanique Reid, who spoke during a Bans Off Our Bodies rally at the Connecticut state Capitol. "It is hot, my back hurts, my ankles are swollen. But I got to decide that I wanted to keep this pregnancy. But for anyone who doesn't want to keep a pregnancy, that is OK. We are here to make sure that everyone has the autonomy and the accessibility to go to an abortion provider."

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Young protestors gather at a “Bans Off Our Bodies" march for abortion rights in front of the Stamford/Norwalk Judicial District Courthouse on Sunday, May 15. Speakers included community leaders as well as organizers from Stamford-based feminist activist group Pink Wave Action, along with Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Women’s March, Ultraviolet, MoveOn and Ultraviolet. The protest is in response to the leaked Supreme Court majority opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade.
Greg Miller
/
Connecticut Public
Young protesters gathered at a Bans Off Our Bodies march for abortion rights in front of the Stamford/Norwalk Judicial District Courthouse on May 15. Speakers included community leaders as well as organizers from Stamford-based feminist activist group Pink Wave Action, along with Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Women’s March, UltraViolet and MoveOn. The protest was in response to the leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that established the right to an abortion.

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Speaking about her personal experience sexual assaults and abortion, Rachel Pawelczyk (center) is supported by and Colleen Bakery (left) and Liz Ferrari during a Bans Off Our Bodies rally Sunday, May 17, in Hartford at the Connecticut State Capitol. "We grow and change and heal at the speed of authenticity," said Pawelczyk, "And every thread weaves the cloth. Every effort, every march every moment."
Mark Mirko
/
Connecticut Public
Speaking about her personal experience, sexual assaults and abortion, Rachel Pawelczyk (center) was supported by Colleen Bakery (left) and Liz Ferrari during a Bans Off Our Bodies rally May 15 in Hartford at the Connecticut state Capitol. "We grow and change and heal at the speed of authenticity," Pawelczyk said. "And every thread weaves the cloth. Every effort, every march, every moment."

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"We're not barefoot and pregnant anymore,” said Colleen Bakery, in front of hundreds gathered Sunday May 17 for a Bans Off Our Bodies Rally. “No matter what your choice it's your choice, your reason. If you can decide to never have an abortion in your life then that's okay, that's your choice. But you can't take that choice from me.”
Mark Mirko
/
Connecticut Public
"We're not barefoot and pregnant anymore," said Colleen Bakery, in front of hundreds gathered May 15 for a Bans Off Our Bodies rally. "No matter what your choice it's your choice, your reason. If you can decide to never have an abortion in your life, then that's OK, that's your choice. But you can't take that choice from me."

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A car drives up on the sidewalk in front of the Connecticut Supreme Court to go around Bans Off Our Bodies protesters who blocked Capitol Avenue in the wake of the leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft indicating the repeal of Roe V. Wade.
Mark Mirko
/
Connecticut Public
A car drove onto the sidewalk in front of the Connecticut Supreme Court to go around Bans Off Our Bodies protesters who blocked Capitol Avenue in the wake of the leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion that indicates the repeal of Roe v. Wade.

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Bans Off Our Bodies protesters block traffic on Capitol Avenue between the State Capitol and Supreme Court Sunday, May 15, in the wake of the leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft indicating the repeal of Roe V. Wade.
Mark Mirko
/
Connecticut Public
Bans Off Our Bodies protesters blocked traffic on Capitol Avenue between the state Capitol and Supreme Court on May 15.

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Police move in to control traffic after Bans Off Our Bodies protesters blocked Capitol Avenue between the State Capitol and Supreme Court Sunday, May 15, in the wake of the leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft indicating the repeal of Roe V. Wade.
Mark Mirko
/
Connecticut Public
Police move in to control traffic after Bans Off Our Bodies protesters blocked Capitol Avenue between the state Capitol and Supreme Court on May 15.

.

Bans Off Our Bodies protesters march on Capitol Avenue between the State Capitol and Supreme Court Sunday, May 15, in the wake of the leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft indicating the repeal of Roe V. Wade.
Mark Mirko
/
Connecticut Public
Bans Off Our Bodies protesters marched on Capitol Avenue between the state Capitol and Supreme Court on May 15.

.

A protestor holds up a sign at "Bans Off Our Bodies", a march for abortion rights in front of the Stamford/Norwalk Judicial District Courthouse on Sunday, May 15. Speakers included community leaders as well as organizers from Stamford-based feminist activist group Pink Wave Action, along with Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Women’s March, Ultraviolet, MoveOn and Ultraviolet. The protest is in response to the leaked Supreme Court majority opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade.
Greg Miller
/
Connecticut Public
A protester holds up a sign during "Bans Off Our Bodies," a march for abortion rights in front of the Stamford/Norwalk Judicial District Courthouse on May 15.

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The independent journalism and non-commercial programming you rely on every day is in danger.

If you’re reading this, you believe in trusted journalism and in learning without paywalls. You value access to educational content kids love and enriching cultural programming.

Now all of that is at risk.

Federal funding for public media is under threat and if it goes, the impact to our communities will be devastating.

Together, we can defend it. It’s time to protect what matters.

Your voice has protected public media before. Now, it’s needed again. Learn how you can protect the news and programming you depend on.

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