Skip to content
Pro-abortion rights activists rally in Federal Plaza on May 3, 2022, following the leak of a draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion that would strike down Roe v. Wade.
Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune
Pro-abortion rights activists rally in Federal Plaza on May 3, 2022, following the leak of a draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion that would strike down Roe v. Wade.
Author
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Students and activists rally outside the DePaul University Loop campus on May 3, 2022, in reaction to the leaked draft decision from Supreme Court that showed their intention to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Students and activists rally outside the DePaul University Loop campus on May 3, 2022, in reaction to the leaked draft decision from Supreme Court that showed their intention to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Pro-abortion rights activists rally in Federal Plaza on May 3, 2022, following the leak of a draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion that would strike down Roe v. Wade.
Pro-abortion rights activists rally in Federal Plaza on May 3, 2022, following the leak of a draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion that would strike down Roe v. Wade.
Pro-abortion rights activists rally in Federal Plaza on May 3, 2022, following the leak of a draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion that would strike down Roe v. Wade.
Pro-abortion rights activists rally in Federal Plaza on May 3, 2022, following the leak of a draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion that would strike down Roe v. Wade.
Pro-abortion rights activists rally in Federal Plaza on May 3, 2022, following the leak of a draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion that would strike down Roe v. Wade.
Pro-abortion rights activists rally in Federal Plaza on May 3, 2022, following the leak of a draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion that would strike down Roe v. Wade.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Illinois members of congress hold a press conference on May 3, 2022, in the offices of Planned Parenthood of Illinois in reaction to the leaked draft decision from Supreme Court that showed their intention to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Illinois members of congress hold a press conference on May 3, 2022, in the offices of Planned Parenthood of Illinois in reaction to the leaked draft decision from Supreme Court that showed their intention to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Eric J. Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League, is seen with a portrait of his father Joe Scheidler, right, in the group's office in Aurora, Ill., on May 3, 2022. Eric Scheidler's parents Joe and Ann Scheidler were both active in the anti-abortion movement.
Eric J. Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League, is seen with a portrait of his father Joe Scheidler, right, in the group’s office in Aurora, Ill., on May 3, 2022. Eric Scheidler’s parents Joe and Ann Scheidler were both active in the anti-abortion movement.
Marchers head south on Clark Street during the Defend Abortion Access march from Daley Plaza, Oct. 2, 2021, in Chicago.
Marchers head south on Clark Street during the Defend Abortion Access march from Daley Plaza, Oct. 2, 2021, in Chicago.
Alex Carvalho holds his 3-year-old son, Max, as his wife, Nicole Carvalho, holds up a sign during the Defend Abortion Access rally and march at Daley Plaza on Oct. 2, 2021, in Chicago.
Alex Carvalho holds his 3-year-old son, Max, as his wife, Nicole Carvalho, holds up a sign during the Defend Abortion Access rally and march at Daley Plaza on Oct. 2, 2021, in Chicago.
Valerie Simutis, left, and Melissa Oquendo near the stage during the Defend Abortion Access rally and march at Daley Plaza, Oct. 2, 2021, in Chicago.
Valerie Simutis, left, and Melissa Oquendo near the stage during the Defend Abortion Access rally and march at Daley Plaza, Oct. 2, 2021, in Chicago.
An attendee holds up an oversized clothes hanger, symbolizing abortion methods before the procedure was ruled legal by the U.S. Supreme Court, during the Defend Abortion Access march from Daley Plaza, Oct. 2, 2021, in Chicago.
An attendee holds up an oversized clothes hanger, symbolizing abortion methods before the procedure was ruled legal by the U.S. Supreme Court, during the Defend Abortion Access march from Daley Plaza, Oct. 2, 2021, in Chicago.
Gabi Reczek and her daughter Mary Reczek, 13, hold signs along with dozens of other protesters across the street from Planned Parenthood on Sept. 14, 2021 in Aurora.
Gabi Reczek and her daughter Mary Reczek, 13, hold signs along with dozens of other protesters across the street from Planned Parenthood on Sept. 14, 2021 in Aurora.
Anti-abortion activist Eileen Steffel, of Glenview,faces a row of “handmaids” as several dozen abortion activists and supporters rally during a Bans Off My Body protest at the Federal Plaza on Sept. 10, 2021.
Women dressed as characters from the novel of “The Handmaid’s Tale”” stand in silence as several dozen abortion activists and supporters rally during a Bans Off My Body protest at Federal Plaza in Chicago on Sept. 10, 2021.
Several dozen abortion activists, including retired nurse Cathleen Gutekanst, second left, rally during a Bans Off My Body protest at Federal Plaza in Chicago, Sept. 10, 2021. One of the most extreme abortion bans in effect took place on this day in Texas.
Several dozen abortion activists, including retired nurse Cathleen Gutekanst, second left, rally during a Bans Off My Body protest at Federal Plaza in Chicago, Sept. 10, 2021. One of the most extreme abortion bans in effect took place on this day in Texas.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs the Reproductive Health Act into law with bill sponsors state Sen. Melinda Bush, left, and state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, right, at the Chicago Cultural Center on June 12, 2019. The law establishes “the fundamental right” of a pregnant woman to have an abortion and states that “a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent rights.”
Pro-choice activists stage a brief “die in” as they rally to stop abortion bans, at the intersection of State Street and Jackson Boulevard in Chicago on June 4, 2019.
State Sen. Melinda Bush, right, the Grayslake Democrat who sponsored the abortion rights bill and Rep. Kelly Cassidy embrace after their bill was approved in Senate at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on May 31, 2019
State Sen. Melinda Bush, right, the Grayslake Democrat who sponsored the abortion rights bill and Rep. Kelly Cassidy embrace after their bill was approved in Senate at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on May 31, 2019
Lisa Klose, left, who stated she was pro-life, argues with pro-choice activist Joann Michel during a rally to stop abortion bans in Chicago on June 4, 2019.
Lisa Klose, left, who stated she was pro-life, argues with pro-choice activist Joann Michel during a rally to stop abortion bans in Chicago on June 4, 2019.
Anti-abortion protester Ben Gruender stands outside Planned Parenthood, June 6, 2019, in St. Louis.
Anti-abortion protester Ben Gruender stands outside Planned Parenthood, June 6, 2019, in St. Louis.
Holding a sign that reads “I regret My Abortion”, Nancy Kreuzer, left, along with other protesters, stand outside of Stericycle along North Eola Road on May 22, 2019, in Aurora. Kreuzer said that more than 25 years ago she an abortion after getting a diagnosis of hydrocephalus and Down syndrome.
Anti-abortion protesters gather across from the Chicago Rally for Reproductive Justice pro-choice event, May 23, 2019, at Daley Plaza.
Anti-abortion protesters gather across from the Chicago Rally for Reproductive Justice pro-choice event, May 23, 2019, at Daley Plaza.
Rose Hankes holds a sign during the Chicago Rally for Reproductive Justice abortion rights event, May 23, 2019, at Daley Plaza in Chicago.
Rose Hankes holds a sign during the Chicago Rally for Reproductive Justice abortion rights event, May 23, 2019, at Daley Plaza in Chicago.
Separated by Chicago police officers, a smaller group of anti-abortion counter-protesters gathers across from the Chicago Rally for Reproductive Justice abortion rights event, May 23, 2019, at Daley Plaza.
Separated by Chicago police officers, a smaller group of anti-abortion counter-protesters gathers across from the Chicago Rally for Reproductive Justice abortion rights event, May 23, 2019, at Daley Plaza.
A protester holds bunches of hangers during the Chicago Rally for Reproductive Justice abortion rights event on May 23, 2019, at Daley Plaza. A smaller group of anti-abortion counter-protesters gathered on the other side of the plaza, the two groups were separated by Chicago police officers.
A protester holds bunches of hangers during the Chicago Rally for Reproductive Justice abortion rights event on May 23, 2019, at Daley Plaza. A smaller group of anti-abortion counter-protesters gathered on the other side of the plaza, the two groups were separated by Chicago police officers.
Alex Bland, 18, yells while walking in the annual March for Life Chicago rally in the Loop on Jan. 14, 2018.
Alex Bland, 18, yells while walking in the annual March for Life Chicago rally in the Loop on Jan. 14, 2018.
Protesters march around the Illinois State Capitol building during the Illinois Women March on Springfield event on April 25, 2017. The Democrat-controlled House on Tuesday approved controversial bill HB 40 that would expand the availability of taxpayer-funded abortions in Illinois.
Protesters march around the Illinois State Capitol building during the Illinois Women March on Springfield event on April 25, 2017. The Democrat-controlled House on Tuesday approved controversial bill HB 40 that would expand the availability of taxpayer-funded abortions in Illinois.
Protesters, including 16-year-old Maddy Molina, gather around the Illinois State Capitol building during the Illinois Women March on Springfield event on April 25, 2017. The Democrat-controlled House on Tuesday approved controversial bill HB 40 that would expand the availability of taxpayer-funded abortions in Illinois.
Protesters, including 16-year-old Maddy Molina, gather around the Illinois State Capitol building during the Illinois Women March on Springfield event on April 25, 2017. The Democrat-controlled House on Tuesday approved controversial bill HB 40 that would expand the availability of taxpayer-funded abortions in Illinois.
Protesters march around the Illinois State Capitol building during the Illinois Women March on Springfield event Tuesday, April 25, 2017. The Democrat-controlled House on Tuesday approved controversial bill HB 40 that would expand the availability of taxpayer-funded abortions in Illinois.
Protesters march around the Illinois State Capitol building during the Illinois Women March on Springfield event Tuesday, April 25, 2017. The Democrat-controlled House on Tuesday approved controversial bill HB 40 that would expand the availability of taxpayer-funded abortions in Illinois.
Pro-choice supporters, left on sidewalk, chant as pro-life marchers, right, head to the Thompson Center as part of the 10th annual March for Life Chicago on Jan. 18, 2015.
Pro-choice supporters, left on sidewalk, chant as pro-life marchers, right, head to the Thompson Center as part of the 10th annual March for Life Chicago on Jan. 18, 2015.
Pro-life supporters gather for the 10th annual March for Life Chicago at Federal Plaza on Jan. 18, 2015.
Pro-life supporters gather for the 10th annual March for Life Chicago at Federal Plaza on Jan. 18, 2015.
Pro-life supporters march down Dearborn Street during the 10th annual March for Life Chicago on Jan. 18, 2015.
Pro-life supporters march down Dearborn Street during the 10th annual March for Life Chicago on Jan. 18, 2015.
Pro-life supporters at the 10th nnual March for Life Chicago at Federal Plaza on Jan. 18, 2015.
Pro-life supporters at the 10th nnual March for Life Chicago at Federal Plaza on Jan. 18, 2015.
Katie Condon, 21, and Molly Dettmann, 21, from left, march to the Thompson Center during the 9th annual March for Life Chicago on Jan. 19, 2014.
Katie Condon, 21, and Molly Dettmann, 21, from left, march to the Thompson Center during the 9th annual March for Life Chicago on Jan. 19, 2014.
Protesters outside of Planned Parenthood's new medical center at in Aurora on Oct. 2, 2007.
Protesters outside of Planned Parenthood’s new medical center at in Aurora on Oct. 2, 2007.
Bonnie Grabenhofer, center, president of the Illinois chapter of the National Organization for Women, speaks to news media as protesters on both sides of the abortion debate jockeyed for camera time at City Hall in Aurora on Oct. 1, 2007, where  Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner announced that Planned Parenthood will be allowed to open in the city.
Bonnie Grabenhofer, center, president of the Illinois chapter of the National Organization for Women, speaks to news media as protesters on both sides of the abortion debate jockeyed for camera time at City Hall in Aurora on Oct. 1, 2007, where Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner announced that Planned Parenthood will be allowed to open in the city.
Maria Hensley, of Aurora, walks past a Planned Parenthood facility in Aurora on Aug. 16, 2007. Illinois residents from Aurora, Naperville, St. Charles, Batavia and other nearby towns have joined a 40-day prayer vigil at the Planned Parenthood site which began on August 9.
Maria Hensley, of Aurora, walks past a Planned Parenthood facility in Aurora on Aug. 16, 2007. Illinois residents from Aurora, Naperville, St. Charles, Batavia and other nearby towns have joined a 40-day prayer vigil at the Planned Parenthood site which began on August 9.
Pro-life protestors hold a candlelight vigil outside the Albany Medical Surgical Center to begin the 40 Days for Life-Chicago Prayer Campaign on Sept. 24, 2008.
Pro-life protestors hold a candlelight vigil outside the Albany Medical Surgical Center to begin the 40 Days for Life-Chicago Prayer Campaign on Sept. 24, 2008.
Sue O'Dwyer of Plainfied holds a sign near the Planned Parenthood facility in Aurora on Aug. 16, 2007.
Sue O’Dwyer of Plainfied holds a sign near the Planned Parenthood facility in Aurora on Aug. 16, 2007.
A group of Aurora-based anti-abortion activists, hold signs outside the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Sept. 20, 2007 where a federal judge ruled to prevent Planned Parenthood from opening its new clinic.
A group of Aurora-based anti-abortion activists, hold signs outside the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Sept. 20, 2007 where a federal judge ruled to prevent Planned Parenthood from opening its new clinic.