'Stop the bans' demonstrations to take place nationwide

BOSTON — Sparked by what have been called "draconian" abortion bans, thousands around the country are coming together to protest some of the most stringent anti-abortion laws since Roe V. Wade.

Organizers say the "Stop the Bans" demonstrations are set to take place in nearly all 50 states.

Just last week, Alabama's governor signed a law making performing an abortion a felony, punishable by up to 99 years in prison. While there's an exception in the case of the mother's health, the legislation does not factor exceptions for cases of rape or incest.

Other states like Georgia recently passed "fetal heartbeat" bills, which effectively ban abortions after six weeks into a pregnancy, before most women even know they're pregnant.

The American Civil Liberties Union has long promised to sue states passing anti-abortion legislation.

Pro-choice advocates around the country say they are outraged by the laws, which are in part designed in an attempt to get the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, which passed in 1973.

"I made the choice to carry my baby to term and I gave birth to a stillborn baby at 27 weeks but that's a decision that not everybody can make," said Niccole Noblitt. "I just firmly believe that a woman should be given a choice to make a decision of whatever she chooses."

In Massachusetts, the "Stop the Ban" protests are set to start at noon in Beacon Hill.

Cox Media Group