Thousands of protesters hit the streets on Tuesday in nationwide rallies to support abortion rights following recent legislative efforts to ban most abortions in several states. More than 500 demonstrations had been planned for noon, local time, at statehouses, town squares and courthouses in all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and Ottawa, Canada, as part of the National Day of Action to Stop the Bans. Supporting demonstrations were also planned in Italy, India and Brussels, according to the event’s website.

Amanda Terkel/HuffPost People demonstrate at the National Day of Action to Stop the Bans in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.

“Across the country, we are seeing a new wave of extreme bans on abortion, stripping away reproductive freedom and representing an all-out assault on abortion access,” the event’s website says. “Politicians shouldn’t be making decisions best left to women, their families, and their doctors.” Tuesday’s flagship event kicked off in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., with various speakers, including Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).

LIVE at the U.S. Supreme Court to defend abortion rights and #StoptheBans. https://t.co/JEtH8rHNoF — MoveOn (@MoveOn) May 21, 2019

“We are here to say enough is enough. We’re going to fight you and we’re going to win,” Klobuchar shouted into a megaphone while surrounded by placards promoting reproductive rights. “This is a matter, my friends, of civil rights,” she said. “We cannot allow them to move this country backward.” Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) also took the microphone and criticized recent legislation that aims to overturn the 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, which protects abortion rights.

Amanda Terkel/HuffPost Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg was among the 2020 contenders attending the rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday.

“They’re not just wrong ― they are cruel, they are extreme and they are designed to control women’s decisions and criminalize doctors,” Murray said of the wave of new state laws. “They make it harder for women to plan families and be economically secure.” Other 2020 candidates attending the event included Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D), Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.).

Amanda Terkel/HuffPost Sen. Bernie Sanders was among those attending the rally in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.

More than 50 organizations partnered for the event, including Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Institute for Reproductive Health, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Catholics for Choice, the Center for American Progress, the Women’s March and the Sierra Club. Actress Busy Philipps, who recently opened up about her own abortion at the age of 15, had urged her Twitter followers to attend. The nationwide event followed earlier rallies in various cities, including Chicago, multiple locations in Alabama, and Kansas City, Missouri.

ASSOCIATED PRESS People gather in the Capitol Rotunda in Lincoln, Nebraska, for a reproductive freedom rally on Tuesday.

“Politicians, take notice: If you come for our reproductive freedom, you’ll have to get through ALL of us,” the ACLU said in a Tuesday tweet that shared a map showing some of the day’s planned protests. The post also included the event’s social media hashtag, #stopthebans. At a rally in New York’s Foley Square, protester Scott Stringer told HuffPost that New York should become the first city to directly fund abortion care. “Abortion is health care and abortion is a fundamental right,” Stringer said. “We need to put our money where our mouth is. There’s more that government can do.” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who recently announced his 2020 presidential candidacy, said at the rally that “it’s a small group of right-wing extremists who are trying to ignore that American majority ... but we are not going back, are we?” The rallies were organized after Alabama’s governor last Wednesday signed the nation’s strictest anti-abortion law, which would make it a felony for a doctor to perform an abortion in nearly all cases, including rape and incest.

Elijah Nouvelage via Getty Images A woman speaks during a protest at the Georgia State Capitol building against recently passed abortion bans on Tuesday.

Then last Friday, Missouri passed a bill that would ban abortions ― including for women who had conceived from rape or incest ― after eight weeks, which is often before women know they’re pregnant. Gov. Mike Parson (R) has said he will sign that bill into law. Georgia and Ohio have also passed so-called “heartbeat” bills that would prohibit an abortion once a fetal heartbeat can be detected. This is typically as early as six weeks into pregnancy and, again, before most women know they’re pregnant.

ASSOCIATED PRESS Abortion rights advocates rally at the Capitol in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday to oppose state laws that impose strict restrictions on abortion.

Across the nation, protesters staged demonstrations in their own cities, and events are planned for later this week as well. Check out photos from various rallies throughout the country below. Alabama:

Arizona:

California:

#StopTheBan protest in Larchmont Village #losangeles. Women from 15 to 75. Lots of men too. Everyone saying I can’t believe we’re here again. People are *pissed.* pic.twitter.com/ti4iJFYZC5 — Jessica Craven (@Craven7Jessica) May 21, 2019

At the #StopTheBans Protest at Pershing Square in Los Angeles! Look out for more events tonight and this weekend. 💕 pic.twitter.com/NNR8ILTNLx — KeikoAgena (@KeikoAgena) May 21, 2019

Colorado:

About 75 protesters are here in Boulder speaking out against abortion bans that are either being discussed or being passed in several states. There is a similar protest in Fort Collins with about 50 protesters and there’s a planned event tonight in Denver. @DenverChannelpic.twitter.com/ZJ8d9gnsla — Meghan Lopez (@Meghan_Lopez) May 21, 2019

A group of 50 #StopTheBan protestors rally outside #PlannedParenthood on S. Shields in Fort Collins. At least 2 traveled from WY to have their voices be heard regarding recent legislations passed in Alabama/Missouri @DenverChannel@Meghan_Lopezpic.twitter.com/qsVznVXU9c — Major King (@MajorDenver7) May 21, 2019

Delaware:

Today, a number of groups, including several coalition partners (Planned Parenthood of Delaware, ACLU-DE and Network Delaware) co-sponsored a #StopTheBan pro-choice/women’s rights rally at Rodney Square. pic.twitter.com/E7NxPPHuTS — DELAWARE WOMEN (@DelawareWomen) May 21, 2019

Georgia:

“Connect with the groups here on the ground who have been leading this fight – organizations led by black women, by queer and trans folks.” Jalessah Jackson, Georgia Coordinator – at Atlanta #StoptheBans rally #abortionsolidaritypic.twitter.com/n1fQPZ3mHy — SisterSong (@SisterSong_WOC) May 21, 2019

Thank you to everyone who showed up to #StopTheBans in Savannah today! Roe v. Wade has allowed people to access abortion legally and prevented people from dying from unsafe, illegal abortions. #WeWontGoBack! pic.twitter.com/mGLt2FyHGh — Planned Parenthood Southeast Advocates (@PPSE_Advocates) May 21, 2019

Thank you beautiful people! Over 1000 Georgians showed up to say: #StopAbortionBans

We believe that we will win!! pic.twitter.com/Ye98W9tFPV — GAFSJ (@AtlantaMarch) May 21, 2019

Indiana:

Iowa:

Kentucky:

#StopTheBan rallies happening nationwide. #Kentucky’s pro-choice protestors standing up against the recent wave of anti-abortion laws passing in some states like Alabama, Missouri and more recently Georgia. pic.twitter.com/Mt9GA41myw — Senait Gebregiorgis (@SenaitTV) May 21, 2019

A #StopTheBans rally against recently enacted anti-abortion measures in Kentucky and other states like Alabama and Missouri is about to get started outside the federal building in Louisville. @courierjournalpic.twitter.com/OF4ht3qYMP — Billy Kobin (@Billy_Kobin) May 21, 2019

Massachusetts:

#StopTheBans protest going on in #Boston right now in front of MA State House. #Boston25pic.twitter.com/orQOBSTnDz — Boston 25 Photographers (@Boston25Photogs) May 21, 2019

Here’s the full group at the #StopTheBans#Boston protest! Too big for my camera. pic.twitter.com/IPKITBTcYS — Peter Bowden (@PeterBowdenLive) May 21, 2019

Minnesota:

I #trustwomen to make their own decisions. I’m also lucky enough to work and collaborate with women who work tirelessly in the fight to keep it that way. #stopthebans@akledger@erinmayequade@bethgendler@prochoicemn@genderjusticepic.twitter.com/9yI28z2vh5 — Kristy Wesson (@kdwesson18) May 21, 2019

"The only thing that stands between MN becoming Alabama is a handful of legislators and a pro-choice governor. So we say NO MORE."



It's time to fight back. #StopTheBans@ErinMayeQuade@GenderJusticepic.twitter.com/iYeJkY2Jmo — TakeAction Minnesota (@TakeActionMN) May 21, 2019

Mississippi:

Missouri:

#stlouis, MO #StopTheBans rally was wonderful. Speeches from OBGYNs, STL treasurer, Senate and House rep’s, and powerful local activists.



One of my favorite parts; all the truckers honking in support pic.twitter.com/k1LbjaiiTL — Sarah (@sroseisuppose) May 21, 2019

Nevada:

We’re rallying to #StopTheBans and support @NaralNv’ and the #TrustNevadaWomen Act in front of the NV Legislature this morning! #nvlegpic.twitter.com/1Nwy576yP9 — Planned Parenthood Votes NV (@PPVotesNevada) May 21, 2019

New Jersey:

The far right has its sights set on making it a crime for a woman to exercise agency over her own life. #TeamPascrell is in #Englewood today to join our neighbors to #StoptheBans. pic.twitter.com/7wXJ7lHuW7 — Bill Pascrell, Jr. (@BillPascrell) May 21, 2019

New York:

Emma Gray A protester at the Foley Square #StopTheBan rally in New York City. She told HuffPost that her mother fought for legalizing abortion and "now we're fighting to keep it for our grandchildren."

Lots of young women are out here. They know how much these bans impact them. #StopTheBanspic.twitter.com/K5ocurQoWy — Emma Gray (@emmaladyrose) May 21, 2019

Emma Gray A protester dressed in a "Handmaid's Tale" outfit at the Foley Square #StopTheBans protest in New York City.

North Carolina:

HAPPENING NOW: The National Organization For Women are gathering at UNC in protest of abortion bans around the country. They’re part of #StopTheBans and there are several protests happening across North Carolina today. pic.twitter.com/6efF4K1wKH — Kaitlyn Connolly (@KConnollyTV) May 21, 2019

Big cities are great, but I am HERE for these #StopTheBans protests in place like Waynesville NC (pop <10,000)! Thank you all! Please stay involved with @NARALNC to stop all to real abortion bans being pushed by some of your elected officials! pic.twitter.com/b2oHUGygNe — K. Travis Ballie (@KTravisBallie) May 21, 2019

Ohio:

Women are sharing their stories about abortion and fighting for abortion rights. Many of them are chanting, “we won’t go back”. pic.twitter.com/SpIK4t5B6x — Ben Garbarek (@BenWSYX6) May 21, 2019

Protesters are chanting, “not the church, not the state, women must decide their fate.” pic.twitter.com/QqMhu4W5KH — Ben Garbarek (@BenWSYX6) May 21, 2019

Pennsylvania:

#StopTheBans signs in Philly today:

- Abortion is healthcare. Abortion is a right

- Let doctors do their jobs

- Women's health is not partisan

- Stop punishing women. 100% of unwanted pregnancies are caused by men

- Against abortion? Have a vasectomy

- Lock him up

- #WeWontGoBackpic.twitter.com/WXtsQRmDRg — cassfell of the north (@cassfell) May 21, 2019

hundreds of passionate pro-choice demonstrators packed the median of S Broad Street in #Philly, chanting against recent anti-abortion legislation in GA, ALA & MO that aims to draw a Supreme Court ruling against Roe v Wade. #stopthebans@ACLU@aclupa#RoeVWade#abortionrightspic.twitter.com/M4vvzM3mmO — Donald D Groff (@dgroff) May 21, 2019

Rhode Island:

South Carolina:

South Carolina had a strong sign game at our #StopTheBans rally. The signs were all different but the message is the same: Hands off my body. Hands off my rights. pic.twitter.com/hQnVJlzcRU — Vicki Ringer (@vickiringer) May 21, 2019

Happening right now! A rally at the state capitol...protesting any legislation that would ban abortions like in Alabama, Georgia, Missouri Kentucky and other states. @WACHBryantM@wachfoxpic.twitter.com/ehSijW6HdG — Bryant Monteilh (@WACHBryantM) May 21, 2019

Tennessee:

Abortion is healthcare. Abortion is a right. And Tennessee is ready, willing and able to fight to defend our right to make our own decisions about what happens to our bodies. #StopTheBanspic.twitter.com/zxXZAEbqN7 — ACLU of Tennessee (@aclutn) May 21, 2019

Texas:

Anti-choice legislators filed almost 40 bills this session in Texas. Bills that would infringe on our constitutionally protected rights to safe, legal, abortion care.



We are here today, loud and proud to say: abortion is healthcare and we must #StopTheBans! #TrustRespectAccesspic.twitter.com/RJIQAh0jMY — ACLU of Texas (@ACLUTx) May 21, 2019

So happy to have seen so many different generations out at the beginning of the #StopTheBans rally in Austin. *could only drive by and scream my support bc work but I STAN YOU ALL and thank you for showing up for #HumanRightspic.twitter.com/h7jdhoBbyI — Taylor B. K. (@TaylorBKamnetz) May 21, 2019

Utah:

HAPPENING NOW: Hundreds protest at ⁦@UTStateCapitol⁩ restrictive laws on abortions happening in multiple states. #StopTheBanpic.twitter.com/wPHUoXH5ge — Andrew Reeser (@andrewreeser) May 21, 2019

Washington:

I'm at City Hall Plaza w hundreds protesting blatant right-wing attacks on abortion rights in Alabama & Mississippi. The best way to fight Trump & the right? Build mass protests, a national day of action, workplace strike actions for full abortion rights for all & Medicare 4 All! pic.twitter.com/qvtFStUDtz — Kshama Sawant (@cmkshama) May 21, 2019