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'I am devastated by it.' Seattle rallies after SCOTUS leak suggests Roe v Wade will be overturned

At least 100 people packed into Seattle’s Kerry Park on Tuesday for a pro-choice rally, some having to stand in the street.

The rally was in response to a draft opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court leaked to Politico that indicates the court could be on the verge of overturning the landmark Roe V. Wade ruling, which established a constitutional right to abortions.

The Supreme Court released a statement Tuesday confirming the draft opinion is authentic, adding, “it does not represent a decision by the Court or the final position of any member on the issues in the case.”

If the court’s final decision reflects the draft and overturns the Roe ruling, it would be up to individual states to make their own rules on abortion access and restrictions.

The crowd that gathered for the first of two Seattle rallies, mostly women, carried homemade protest signs and wore bright pink scarves in support of Planned Parenthood.

Many looked visibly upset and some had tears in their eyes.

caption: Erica Corbin, 31, attends a rally to defend Roe v. Wade organized by councilmember Kshama Sawant on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at Westlake Park in Seattle.
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Erica Corbin, 31, attends a rally to defend Roe v. Wade organized by councilmember Kshama Sawant on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at Westlake Park in Seattle.
KUOW Photo/Megan Farmer

Kathleen, who shared just her first name, said she’s been following attacks on abortion rights in recent years and said she was worried this day would eventually come.

“I am not surprised at the treachery," she said. "I am devastated by it.”

Elected leaders, including Gov. Inslee, spoke in strong support of abortion rights, saying Washington would always protect a person’s right to choose.

RELATED: Inslee vows to 'fight like hell' to keep Washington pro-choice after SCOTUS leak

Sydney Lyman, a student at the University of Washington, said that as soon as she heard the news about the Supreme Court’s leaked decision, she knew she had to be at the rally.

“Wasn't really even a question,” Lyman said. “This is what I believe in and being in a community with other people who believe in the same thing as me...we're all working towards something is really powerful, I think.”

caption: Jackie Jacobs holds her head in her hands before the start of a pro-choice rally and press conference on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at Kerry Park in Seattle.
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Jackie Jacobs holds her head in her hands before the start of a pro-choice rally and press conference on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at Kerry Park in Seattle.
KUOW Photo/Megan Farmer

Lyman and others cheered when Inslee said Washington would continue to welcome anyone from out of state who traveled here seeking abortion services.

Many of the signs at Tuesday’s rally were originally from the 2017 Womxn’s March in Seattle. Kathleen said she hoped she wouldn’t have to bring hers out again.

“It says, 'Save Roe v Wade,'” she said holding the sign up. “It has the coat hanger with the prohibited symbol through it because we don't wanna go back to that.”

As soon as speakers wrapped up at the Kerry Park rally, people starting heading downtown where another pro-choice rally is scheduled at Westlake Park.

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