US Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been arrested at a pro-abortion protest in Washington.
Key points:
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was among 16 politicians arrested at the protest
- The US Supreme Court overturned the Roe v Wade abortion rights ruling last month
- Multiple Republican-controlled states have tightened abortion restrictions
Ms Ocasio-Cortez was among fellow Democrats Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar at the demonstration near the Capitol building and the US Supreme Court on Tuesday.
Protesters chanted “hands off our bodies” and blocked a street before they were escorted away by police.
A total of 34 protesters, including 16 politicians, were detained according to local media reports.
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn landmark abortion rights ruling Roe v Wade has sparked protests internationally.
It has also brought abortion access to the forefront of political debates ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.
Multiple Republican-controlled states have tightened abortion restrictions, while states controlled by Democrats have stepped up efforts to consolidate abortion rights.
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ABC/Reuters