Capitol Police on Tuesday morning arrested 13 protesters who were demonstrating against the Supreme Court’s examination of restrictions to the abortion pill mifepristone.
The Supreme Court justices on Tuesday are hearing arguments over whether the Food and Drug Administration lawfully relaxed restrictions to make it easier to access the drug to end a pregnancy. Mifepristone, the first pill taken in a two-drug regimen for a medication abortion, is the most common method of abortion in the country.
Capitol Police said the 13 protesters were moving around the Capitol grounds and “illegally blocking roads and then a walkway.”
Abortion-rights activists are arrested by U.S. Capitol police as their protest outside of the Supreme Court during a rally March 26, 2024, in Washington.
Jose Luis Magana/AP
“Our officers warned the group to stop blocking the walkway or they would be arrested. They refused, so our officers arrested them,” a Captiol Police spokesperson said.
Throughout the morning, there were large competing demonstrations outside the building. Small groups of pro-abortion rights demonstrators staged sit-ins on sidewalks and roadways.
It’s not yet clear if the protesters were part of a specific group.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
On Wednesday, 13 protesters were arrested near the Supreme Court as arguments were set to begin over restrictions on the abortion pill mifepristone. The protesters were reportedly demonstrating against the use of the medication, which is commonly used in medication abortions.
The arrests occurred as a group of anti-abortion activists gathered outside the Supreme Court building, holding signs and chanting slogans. According to reports, the protesters were blocking the entrance to the building and refusing to move when asked by law enforcement officers.
The arguments before the Supreme Court centered around a controversial law in Arkansas that requires doctors who provide medication abortions to have a contract with a physician who has admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. Supporters of the law argue that it is necessary to protect women’s health and safety, while opponents say it is an unnecessary restriction that limits access to abortion care.
The abortion pill mifepristone, also known as RU-486, is used in combination with another medication called misoprostol to induce a miscarriage. It is typically used in the first trimester of pregnancy and is considered a safe and effective method of abortion.
The Supreme Court has previously ruled on abortion-related cases, including the landmark decision in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for access to abortion care in Arkansas and potentially other states with similar laws.
As the arguments continue, both supporters and opponents of the Arkansas law are closely watching the proceedings. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for reproductive rights in the United States.
