Not only taking away people's rights to their bodies but an attack on half the population is how some Kiwis are describing the risk of the United States overturning abortion rights.
In the US protests have sparked after a leaked initial draft majority opinion suggests the US Supreme Court has voted to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision that legalised abortion nationwide and now New Zealanders are showing their support.
On Friday Pro-choice Auckland held a candle-lit show of solidarity with people in the US in Auckland's Aotea Square.
"We think abortion should be legal everywhere," one attendee said.
"We all have the responsibility to show up in solidarity for those others who are losing their rights and defend it," another said.
Speakers took to the microphone to share their stories, feelings and concerns about the situation.
Abortion is legal in New Zealand and in 2020 lawmakers successfully voted to pass the Abortion Legislation Bill which brings abortion out of the Crimes Act.
But the risk of moving backwards and reversing nationwide abortion rights in the US has Kiwis concerned about how it could influence our country.
"What is happening in the United States is a misogynist assault on the human rights of women and people who can become pregnant, and affects reproductive rights globally." Auckland Feminist Action spokesperson said.
"Reproductive autonomy and the right to choose is fundamental to a healthy society and should be an inalienable human right. We condemn the United States Supreme Court in the harshest way possible for the draft decision which would lose abortion rights by overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade case."
"Banning abortion will not stop abortion, but it would make it much more difficult and dangerous, especially for those who are most disadvantaged and vulnerable."
