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What to do with all that anger? Abortion rights actions in San Francisco

Roe
Nancy Robles, a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, speaks to a crowd of protesters at Market and Powell streets on May 3, 2022, a day after the leak of a Supreme Court draft decision on Roe v. Wade. | Camille Cohen

With the Supreme Court poised to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision on abortion rights, pro-choice advocates are on edge about the future of reproductive health access in the U.S. 

On Tuesday, hundreds marched in the city after a draft decision by Justice Samuel Alito revealing the court’s intent leaked to Politico. While San Francisco and the world wait for a final decision expected in the coming months, some may wonder what they can do to make their voices heard and learn more about the issue. 

Here are a few ways San Franciscans can engage in the coming days. We’ll be updating this list regularly. We also welcome tips and leads from you. Know about a demonstration, rally or event related to this issue? Reach out to christina@sfstandard.com

Saturday, May 7

PSL Bay Area Defend Roe Emergency March

Powell & Market Streets
12 p.m.

The Bay Area chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation is holding an “emergency march”  at Powell and Market streets starting at noon on Saturday. The demonstration offers an opportunity to raise your voice on abortion rights and listen to speakers on the issue. Organizers say that if enough people show up they hope to march to the San Francisco Women’s Building.  Check PSL Bay Area’s Instagram for updates

Defend Abortion Rights - Public Discussion on Urgent Next Steps for the Movement

Embarcadero Plaza
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Socialist Alternative San Francisco hosts an open-air discussion on abortion rights. Meet like-minded folks in Embarcadero Plaza, to discuss next steps for the movement to defend Roe v. Wade, establish Medicare for all and fight for access to free, safe and legal abortions.

 

Pro-choice demonstrators marched from Mid-Market to the Mission District in San Francisco on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, following news that the Supreme Court intends to overturn Roe v. Wade in a future decision. | Camille Cohen

Sunday, May 8 

Mother’s Day Strike 2022 

Everywhere 
May 8-14

Join in a global movement of women refusing to work, shop, eat at restaurants and generally participate in the economy or domestic labor for a whole week. Organizers say their “mission is simple: break the economy… by abstaining from work, shopping, entertaining; and on the home front, running a household that would fall apart without your care.” The mass demonstration crossing international and domestic borders takes inspiration from Iceland’s 1975 women’s strike and the U.S.’s 1970 Women’s Strike for Equality organized by the National Organization of Women (NOW) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of women’s suffrage. 

For women who can’t afford to take time off work or step away from caretaking, the group is recommending posting about the strike on social media, donating to worthy partner causes and participating in mutual aid.

Monday, May 9 

California's Role in a Post-Roe v. Wade World

Manny’s, 3092 16th St. 
6 - 7:30 p.m. 

Civics-focused cafe and events space Manny’s hosts a discussion exploring what a post-Roe world might look like in California and beyond with a panel of political, activist and medical experts. The panelists will talk about the Golden State’s abortion policies and role in protecting abortion rights for Californians and travelers seeking care from out of state. Speakers include: East Bay Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (Chair of the Select Committee on Women’s Reproductive Health); Jessica Pinckney, executive director of ACCESS Reproductive Justice, which provides logistical and financial support to Californians and those traveling to the state seeking abortion care; UCSF OB-GYN Dr. Daniel Grossman; and UCSF reproductive health sociologist Gretchen Sisson.  

Friday, May 13 

Sign Making for San Francisco’s Bans Off Our Bodies March 

Manny’s, 3092 16th St. 
3 - 5 p.m.

Get ready for Saturday’s San Francisco Women’s March for reproductive rights with a sign making gathering at Manny’s. Tap into your inner artist, engage with like-minded folks and bring your creativity.

Saturday, May 14

March For Reproductive Justice - Bans Off Our Bodies Rally

SF Civic Center, 100 Larkin St. at Hyde & Grove 
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

As part of the national Bans Off Our Bodies campaign, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund partners with Women’s March San Francisco for a reproductive rights rally in the civic heart of San Francisco. Follow Women’s March San Francisco on social and subscribe for updates. Sign up for the demonstration here.

‘Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights’ Protest

24th & Mission 
1 p.m. 

Join a nationwide movement to defend abortion rights with a local protest right in the heart of the Mission District. The demonstration is part of a national Week of Action organized by Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights and encompasses everything from mass banner drops from freeways to die-ins. Organizers Merle Hoffman, Lori Sokol and Sunsara Taylor came together on the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade on January 22, 2022 to reinvigorate the movement and have been calling for nationwide protest and nonviolent resistance across the country. Visit riseup4abortionrights.org for updates.

Thursday, May 26

Fireside Chat with Planned Parenthood NorCal CEO Gilda Gonzales

Manny’s, 3092 16th St. 
6 - 7 p.m.

If Roe v. Wade is overturned it will fundamentally reshape abortion access across the country. So what can you do? Gilda Gonzalez, the first Latina to serve as CEO of a California Planned Parenthood affiliate, discusses the future of abortion rights in California and Planned Parenthood NorCal’s plans of action. Tickets are $5 to $12 and the conversation is available to view online or IRL.

Christina Campodonico can be reached at christina@sfstandard.com