Bigger Than Roe, Sunday January 22nd, 2023: A Photograph Entry
- Hazel Barzilay
- Feb 20, 2023
- 3 min read
(Photographs provided by the Boston Globe, New York Times, Women's March on Instagram, Boston Women's March on Instagram, Edward Boches on Instagram, Photo Justice Movement on Instagram, and my own camera roll. All photos used have the permission of the people or blurred out faces.)
On Sunday, January 22nd, hundreds of people gathered in the Boston Common and outside of the Massachusetts State House to protest against the overturning of Roe V. Wade and honor the 50 year anniversary of its passing. The march began at noon outside of the State House and concluded in a peaceful walk around the Boston Common. A message given by the official Women’s March website in December stated:
“June 24th, 2022: The Court overturned that decision and stripped our rights away.
Jan. 22nd 2023 - the 50th anniversary of Roe
We march again because our rights and our movement are #BiggerThanRoe. We’re fighting for a feminist future. Join us.
We are taking our fight to every state in this country on January 22, 2023. Our movement is strong. Our fight is #BiggerThanRoe. This year’s National Women’s March will be in Madison, Wisconsin with sister marches around the country.”
I, along with almost 500 other people of varying ages took to the streets to ensure our message was spread loudly and proudly. We were met with honks, yells of support, and disgusted looks. No one was harmed during the march and it remained calm and civilized. We were joined by speakers such as Dr. Aaron Hoffman, a pro-choice physician from Boston who provides safe abortions, Boston City Councilor Gabriella Coletta, Susan Etscovitz who told the story of growing up in a different generation, and more. The Boston March was organized by Sam Jamdl and Alicia and they were joined by speakers and loyal marchers.
Photos
A teenage girl perches over the crowd holding a sign “I should be studying for finals, but I have to fight for my rights instead” (Photo credits: Photo Justice Movement on Instagram and my camera roll)
Two young women hold signs that state “If You Can’t Trust Me With a Choice, Can You Trust Me With a Child?” and “you’re pro life until the baby is poor, trans, black, gay, sick, latino, disabled”. (Photo credits: my camera roll)
Two signs claiming “I’m not sorry about your fragile masculinity” and “My Body My Choice: The State Controlling A Woman’s Body Would Mean Denying Her Full Autonomy and Ultimately Full Equality” with a cut off photo of Ruth Bader Ginsburg alongside the statement. (Photo credits: my camera roll)
Group of marchers hold various signs including “Bans Off Our Bodies”, “The System is Sexist! Fight for Socialism!” and “Abortion is Healthcare and a Human Right.” (Photo credits: my camera roll)
Additionally, many children attended the march. Claire Myles, 4, attended her fifth protest with her mother and Kalliope Georgakopoulos, 5, attended the march with her mother Liz Georgakopoulos. (Photo credits: Boston Globe and New York Times)
So, how can you help?
The Planned Parent Movement has provided a list entitled “Four Easy Ways to Fight for Abortion Rights” which was published in October 2021 and is still a valuable resource today. I have provided the link and a QR code, as well as other resources you can use to educate yourself and fight for equal abortion rights.
Conclusion
Sam Jandl, an event organizer, leading a chant during the march. (Photo credits: Edward Boches on Instagram)
I would like to conclude with a quote from Sam Jandl, one of the event organizers. She told WBZ’s Suzanne Sausville, “We want full bodily autonomy, we want women to have the human rights that they deserve to control their own bodies, we want people to have access to the healthcare they need.”
Resources to educate yourself:
Sources
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