IGNITE RESPONDS: Supreme Court Vote to Overturn Roe v. Wade

The Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, according to a leaked draft of the opinion obtained by Politico on May 2nd. While an official decision has not been made, the draft opinion reveals the likely outcome in a long history of attacks against reproductive justice. Widespread mobilizations are taking place across the country, and many IGNITERS are joining the rallying cry for the protection of the constitutional rights of cis-women, queer, non-binary people with uteruses, trans men, Black, Indigenous and People of Color, who are most impacted by the campaign against reproductive choice.

At this time, we feel the best way we can support our movement is to do what we do best - provide resources, education, and tools for young people who wish to advocate and organize in their communities. We will activate and support young women who wish to attend rallies in the following cities. To register, click on your city below!

IGNITE hosted a national teach-in on reproductive justice on Thursday, May 12. If you missed the teach-in, you can view the recording here.

View Frequently Asked Questions here

Share on social media

Let others know you are participating in IGNITE's national teach-in. With one to two clicks, share on social media.

Is IGNITE organizing any rally-related activities locally or nationally?

At this time, we feel the best way we can support our movement is to do what we do best - provide resources, education, and tools for young people who wish to advocate and organize in their communities. IGNITE will host a national teach-in on reproductive justice on Thursday, May 12 at 4 PM PT/6 PM CT/7 PM ET. Please register to join the teach-in here.

Additionally, we will activate and support young women who wish to attend rallies in the following cities:

Can I organize an official IGNITE rally?

We stand in solidarity with the movement for reproductive justice. If you want to exercise your right to organize in a peaceful and lawful way, you have our unwavering support to join a rally in
your community rather than organizing an IGNITE rally.

Can I organize my chapter to attend a locally organized rally?

Yes! We fully support IGNITE chapters organizing their membership to attend local rallies, if they choose to do so. Rallies are being organized around the country by a few organizations. Here are some resources to find one near you.

Can I wear my IGNITE gear to a rally?

Yes! While we aren’t holding official IGNITE events, we support your wish to visually represent

IGNITE at a rally. With COVID-19 cases spiking nationally, we also highly recommend wearing a mask and bringing hand sanitizer and bottled water with you. Also, take a card that has your name, address, and any important phone numbers.

What if I am asked to interview by a reporter?

We encourage all IGNITERs to make their voices heard. However, unless you have been approved by the IGNITE Communications team as a spokesperson for our organization, please refrain from making any statements on behalf of IGNITE. That being said, the talking points in the following section can support you as you talk about the issue that matters to you and share why you are marching or rallying with IGNITE.

How do I keep myself safe at a locally organized rally?

Because of the potential health risks associated with large gatherings and the spread of COVID-19, we encourage you to wear a mask and do your best to maintain physical distance away from crowds. Above all, be mindful of your surroundings, be cognizant of illegal activity happening around you, know your rights, and be safe.

What do I do if I’m confronted by law enforcement at a rally?

If you are confronted by law enforcement at a rally:

Stay calm and be respectful. Ensure that someone from your group is video-taping, if possible.
Ask: “Am I being detained?” If the answer is no, ask: “Am I free to go?”
If you are free to go, walk away calmly.
If the police say you are being detained, do not resist the arrest and comply with any directions or orders. You do not need to tell the police anything except your name and address. Do not give them permission to search your or anything you are carrying. Ask what crime you are suspected of committing and ask for the card and badge number of all police officers involved in your arrest.
If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent. Ask for a lawyer immediately.

What are my rights while I’m attending a rally?

Your rights are strongest in public spaces. The First Amendment grants you the right to assemble and free speech on public property as long as you are peaceful and are not blocking access to private property.
In a public space, it is legal to film and photograph anything in plain view—including the police.
You don’t need a permit to gather on public streets or on sidewalks, as long as you don’t obstruct car or pedestrian traffic. However, if you don’t have a permit, police officers can ask you to move to the side of a street or sidewalk to let others pass or for safety reasons. Permits are required for an action that will block traffic, use sound amplifying devices, or use a certain amount of a park or plaza. A permit cannot be denied because the event is controversial or will express unpopular views, but permits can take a long time to get.
The law says police may not break up a gathering unless there is a clear and present danger of riot, disorder, interference with traffic, or other immediate threat to public safety. You must receive clear and detailed notice of a dispersal order, including how much time you have to disperse, the consequences of failing to disperse, and what clear exit route you can follow, before you can be arrested or charged with any crime.

What if I don’t feel comfortable or am not able to attend a rally in person? Can I support virtually?

Yes! We encourage all, whether or not you are able to march in person, to engage on social media using hashtag #RallywithIGNITE to march virtually with your IGNITE community.