Hundreds of Tampa abortion advocates joined multiple cities around the country last last Saturday, holding a massive “Bans off our Bodies” rally at downtown’s Joe Chillura Courthouse.

The rally followed reports of a leaked draft of a U.S. Supreme Court opinion that would overturn Roe vs. Wade, and effectively end the constitutional right to have an abortion, as well as a failed attempt by the U.S. Senate to legalize abortions on a national scale.

According to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay photographer Dave Decker, the rally occupied as much as three city blocks at one point, and no counter protesters were present.

“I am a mother by choice” one sign reads…

This march occupied 3 city blocks and at one point, both side of the streets were filled.

No reactionary ‘pro-life’ folks were present.

On assignment for @cl_tampabay #RoeVWade #BansOffOurBody pic.twitter.com/q0GpGVeknJ
— dave decker (he/him) (@davedeckerphoto) May 14, 2022

Saturday’s protest coincided with similar events around the country in cities like St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Sarasota, Orlando, Tallahassee, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, D.C., and more.

The rally was organized by a large roster of progressive groups, including Dream Defenders, Democratic Progressive Caucus of Tampa Bay, Florida For Change, Community Outreach Group, Florida NOW, Fierce Tampa Warriors Organizers of October March, National Asian Pacific Women’s Forum, Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, People’s Council of Tampa, Florida Rising, LWV St. Petersburg Area, Women’s March Florida Tampa/Hillsborough, and Progress Florida.