On Tuesday afternoon, protesters gathered in downtown Tampa following 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.
About 75 people, including Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, converged at Joe Chillura Courthouse Square, carrying signs and calling for more action from elected officials.
In a series of tweets following the rally, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor tweeted her support for abortion rights.
"Roe v Wade guarantees the fundamental right for all women to make personal health care decisions. It is also basis of so many other opinions, and this will remove protections that generations have fought for," said Castor. "We're seeing roll backs on reproductive rights, civil rights, and LGBT rights. This is not what our country stands for."
Last month, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a 15-week abortion ban (HB 5) into law in anticipation of this ruling. However, recent polling shows that the majority of Florida residents support access to abortions, and oppose restrictive bans.
