“Women Can’t Be Free If They Don’t Control Their Bodies,” read a placard held by a pregnant Jennifer Lawrence on Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The Academy Award-winning actress was present at one of many marches held throughout the country to support abortion access in the wake of the recent rollback of human rights for over 50 percent of the population in Texas. By J-Law’s side was Amy Schumer, who held a Center for Reproductive Rights sign that said: “Abortion Is Essential.”
On Instagram, where Schumer posted the picture, she added a little personal commentary: “I don’t have a uterus and she is pregnant but we out here @womensmarch @plannedparenthood #rallyforabortionjustice 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼” Schumer recently underwent surgery due to complications from endometriosis.
Schumer’s pic got the attention of Sharon Stone (who chimed in with a “BRAVA”), Kate Hudson, Rosanna Arquette, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Ali Wentworth, Rachel Zoe, marathon runner Robin Arzón, and Chelsea Handler, who told Schumer “I have your uterus.”
The Los Angeles march saw the participation of a number of celebrities, including Rosanna and Patricia Arquette, Alyssa Milano, Debbie Allen, Christine Lahti, and Raven-Symoné.
“[T]he stakes have never been higher,” Rosanna Arquette said in a speech. “What have we learned since we were last together? That equal rights have a ceiling? We learned that despite all our promises for protecting Roe v. Wade, all our rights could be obliterated with the stroke of a corrupt governor’s pen.”
In late May, Texas signed an extreme anti-abortion measure into law, which the Supreme Court failed to block in September. The law has forced some patients who need abortion care to travel out of state. Conservative lawmakers in other states, including Florida, have been emboldened by the recent developments to pursue similar measures.
There were 660 different organized marches across the country this weekend, from Acton, Massachusetts to Youngstown, Ohio, with a sizable action in New York City, where thousands crossed the Brooklyn Bridge in solidarity before gathering in Foley Square. There was also a march in view of the Texas State Capitol building in Austin.
Padma Lakshmi and Gail Simmons protested in Houston, Texas. Lakshmi took to the podium and issued strong criticism of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. “I think Abbott should take Biology 101. I think he should understand how women’s bodies work, how reproductive cycles work and I think he should stay out of women’s bodies. You have no right to decide what happens to my body,” Lakshmi said.
On Twitter, she shared some pics, one that included a link to “find your march,” and another of a protester whose homemade sign expressed a deeply weary sense of humor.
Other notables who made their voices heard on social media included Elizabeth Banks, Bob Weir, Don Winslow, and Beto O’Rourke.
And Sunday morning, Barbra Streisand hit Twitter with a passionate and informative thread.
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