IN PICS | 'Huge blow to women's rights': Leaders, celebs condemn US Supreme Court's abortion ruling

Hundreds of protesters descended on the US Supreme Court to denounce the justices' controversial June 24 decision to overturn the half-century-old Roe v. Wade precedent that recognized women's constitutional right to abortion. It has been described as a 'backwards' move by world leaders, health organisations, and celebrities --- here are some of their prominent reactions.

Updated on:

27 Jun 2022, 9:14 am

2 min read

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres: 'Sexual and reproductive health and rights are the foundation of a life of choice, empowerment and equality for the world's women and girls. Restricting access to abortion does not prevent people from seeking abortion, it only makes it more deadly.'

Former first lady Michelle Obama: 'I am heartbroken that we may now be destined to learn the painful lessons of a time before Roe was made law of the land -- a time when women risked losing their lives getting illegal abortions.'

American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift: 'I'm absolutely terrified that this is where we are --- that after so many decades of people fighting for women`s rights to their own bodies, today`s decision has stripped us of that.'

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: 'No government, politician, or man should tell a woman what she can and cannot do with her body.'

US national soccer team star Megan Rapinoe: 'I think cruelty is the point because this is not pro life by any means. We live in country that forever tries to chip away what you have innately, what you have been privileged enough to feel your entire life.'

Leading US abortion provider Planned Parenthood: “We know you may be feeling a lot of things right now --- hurt, anger, confusion. Whatever you feel is OK. We're here with you --- and we'll never stop fighting for you.'

American singer-songwriter Billie Eillish: 'Today is a really, really dark day for women in the US. I'm just going to say that because I can't bear to think about it any longer.'

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern: 'Watching the removal of a woman's fundamental right to make decisions over their own body is incredibly upsetting.'

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson: 'I think it's a big step backwards. I've always believed in a woman's right to choose and I stick to that view, and that's why the UK has the laws that it does.'