The Situation:
Following a leaked memo from the US Supreme Court on 2 May intending to overturn Roe V. Wade, protestors began gathering across the US both for and against abortion rights.
Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights, a group dedicated to a woman’s right to choose, has detailed a list of upcoming demonstrations as well as a national week of action from 8-14 May. See the schedule of events. On 5 May, the group is encouraging a national walk out at noon. Some cities have scheduled follow-on demonstrations:
• NYC: Walk out at NOON and meet at Union Square @ 1:00
• Chicago: Noon sit in at Quad at DePaul University & 6pm Die-in at Student Center
• Los Angeles: Walk out at noon and start gathering right away at U.S. Federal Courthouse 350 W 1st St.
• Louisville: Atherton High School walk out at noon and rally in front of school
• Seattle: Walk out wherever you are, meet at NOON at the University of Washington’s Red Square
• Olympia, WA (6 May): Washington State Capitol, 5 pm Rally for Abortion Rights
Other organizations, such as Break the Chains, are also planning demonstrations across the US while additional demonstrations outside the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC cannot be ruled out.
With Mother’s Day on 8 May, large gatherings are highly likely nationwide.
Possible Effects:
• Protests or demonstrations
• Blocked roads
• Increased law enforcement presence
• Localized transportation and business disruptions, especially near government buildings, city centers, and parks
• Presence of counter-protesters and increased tensions
Mitigating Measures to Apply:
• Prepare for disruptions caused by protests, such as increased traffic and security, blocked roads, and potential travel into demonstration sites.
• Check the local situation (local and social media, embassy, POC at the destination, etc.) prior to travel.
• Avoid all protests and demonstrations, which have the possibility of turning violent and my serve as a catalyst of COVID-19 spread.
• Confirm transportation arrangements before arrival/departure.
• Allow extra time to travel to/from the destination, airport, and accommodations.
• Avoid travel near government building and central squares, instead utilizing bypasses whenever possible
• Enroll in a Safe Traveler program to receive warnings from your preferred embassy.
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless Disclaimer: LSDS™ gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS™ (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.