MADISON, Wis. — The reversal of Roe v. Wade drew a crowd of demonstrators to Wisconsin's capitol.
What began as a small group of people holding signs calling for abortion rights grew into hundreds of people leading up to an organized march and rally.
"It just made me so angry that I felt I needed to get out and do something," said Donna Volk who was disheartened by the news.
The reversal of Roe v. Wade leaves it up to the states to navigate the legality of abortions. Wisconsin state law from 1849 criminalizes all abortions except in cases where the mother's life is at risk.
"My entire reproductive years recovered by the rules of Roe v. Wade so I never had to worry that if that choice, should it need to be made by me, that I would have the choice, and I feel bad for the younger generation that now no longer has that choice available to them in the state of Wisconsin," Volk said.
A couple dozen people came to the Capitol to express their anger and frustration over the Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade. There is a march/rally planned for later this evening. we have not seen anyone out here celebrating the court’s decision yet. pic.twitter.com/YNKtxUBFND
— Mary Jo Ola (@MaryJoOlaTV) June 24, 2022
"It’s just an overwhelming heaviness that’s what I feel," said Charlotte Gorril.
Meanwhile, people like Julaine Appling with Wisconsin Family Action have worked toward this moment and longed for this day.
Last month, someone set fire to the organization's Madison office after the court's draft opinion was leaked.
"I didn’t know I would ever see it in my lifetime, to be honest. It was momentous and we’re not gloating this isn’t a time for gloating. This is a time for rejoicing that we have what was wrongly decided in 1973 righted," Appling said.
Appling added that as the state turns the page to a new chapter when it comes to abortion their group's work is not done.
"That’s not what it means at all. We just have to shift gears and go into a little bit different mode to keep restoring a culture of life and respect for life here in our state."
Thousands of people made their way onto the grounds of the state captol, signs in hand, on Friday.
“I mean this isn’t going to end abortions, it’s going to end safe abortions,” said one protester said.
Thousands came out to the Wisconsin State Capitol to oppose the #SCOTUS ruling on #RoeVsWade. pic.twitter.com/7ixdMdaBBX
— Tony Atkins (@TonyAtkinsTV) June 25, 2022
“I’m just horrified at how far this takes people back in this country,” said protester Lalena Lampe
Thousands of abortions rights protesters on the west end of the State Capitol. On the east end, anti-abortion advocates, happy with the court’s ruling.
“When we heard the news this morning, it was just an overwhelming joy. But still mourning those 62 million lives lost to abortion over the last 49 years,” said Anna DeMeuse of ProLife WI.
After making remarks at the state capitol, reproductive rights protesters took to the streets, circling the area as they made their voices heard.
As protesters marched, others like Michelle Reis looked on. She said she’s hopeful, seeing the next generation exercising their protected right to speak up for what they believe in.
“I feel a little bit more more hope seeing people together voicing their opinions,” Reis said.
