Protestors gathered Saturday afternoon in front of the Sitka Courthouse to demonstrate following Friday’s Supreme Court ruling (KCAW/Tash Kimmell)

The U.S. Supreme Court officially reversed Roe v. Wade on Friday (6-24-22), eliminating the constitutional right to abortion that it upheld for almost 50 years.

A small group of demonstrators gathered at the downtown roundabout at noon, following the Supreme Court’s decision, holding signs that read, “Bans off our bodies” and “Protect our right to choose.” On Saturday, a larger group of around 100 gathered mid-day in front of Sitka’s courthouse to protest the ruling.

The news comes over a month after a draft opinion was leaked that suggested the ruling would be overturned. On May 3, Sitkans gathered in front of the local courthouse in response to the leak to rally for reproductive rights.

From left: Sarah Harris, Kathy Ingallinera, Ember Livingston Emmons, Natalia Rovira and Bhargavi Pochi hold signs at Sitka’s roundabout a few hours after the Supreme Court issued its decision overturning Roe v. Wade (KCAW/Rose)
Mary Turcott (right) and children hold signs demonstrating in support of abortion rights at Sitka’s roundabout Friday (KCAW/Rose)
Around 100 demonstrators turned out for Saturday’s protest following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe V. Wade (KCAW/Tash Kimmell)