Anti-abortion activist calls to punish women and abortion providers after leaked Roe v Wade decision
Terry showed up at the Supreme Court with anti-abortion protesters after Politico leaked a draft of an opinion
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An anti-abortion activist celebrated a leaked draft opinon that revealed that the US Supreme Court will overturn Roe v Wade and Planned Parenthood v Casey, saying his ultimate plan was to punish every abortion provider, including women who seek abortions.
Randall Terry, who leads Operation Rescue, is one of the most prominent anti-abortion activists in the United States. On the night that the draft opinion--initially leaked by Politico--showed at the Supreme Court building up with a group of anti-abortion protesters with a ukulele talking about dancing on the grave of Roe v Wade, the landmark decision that enshrined the right to an abortion.
Mr Terry spoke to The Independent about his plans, comparing it to D-Day in World War II,
“We will make it to Berlin and we will make it crime to kill innocent babies from conception 'til birth in all 50 states,” he said. “Every abortionist here in America should be tried for the killing of innocent babies.”
Operation Rescue is one of the more prominent anti-abortion groups and Mr Terry has long been its face. The organisation often blocked access to clinics and hospitals. When asked whether that meant people who seek abortions should be punished, he said “That’s going to be up to local legislators.”
“He says "That's going to be up to local legislators. What we know is that the murderers must face justice,” he said.
“They are accessories for sure,” he said, suggesting that they might even be fined $20.
“Something so they have to be arrested, fingerprinted, their faces in the paper,” he said.
The Supreme Court’s rulling was specifically pertaining to Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which the court heard late last year. The case is regarding Mississippi’s law that criminalises abortion after 15-weeks of pregnancy.
Andrew Feinberg contributed reporting
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments