Roe v. Wade: protests continue at Ohio Statehouse over Supreme Court decision

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Protests continued outside of the Ohio Statehouse Saturday following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

"I think that its powerful and that it speaks volume and it shows that if we really stick together, we can get the message across," said Leilani Atkinson from Wapakaneta.

Emotions were still running high over the weekend, as many said they were frustrated by the decision.

"I was very shocked and I was actually at work, and I just remember I had to go outside and take a minute to calm myself down because I was really upset about it," Jocee Tenwalde from Wapakaneta said.

"I'm afraid that in the future if something were to happen to me that I wouldn't be able to get help," Madi Leffel from Hilliard said.

Many that were out making their voices heard were just teenagers, like 14-year-old Kennedy Cowans from Grove City.

"I'm afraid for me, my kids, grandchildren, future people and them not having the rights that they deserve," Cowans said.

I'd like to see everyone being treated equally in a perfect world, but its hard to imagine that happening right now.

Brigitte Payne is a mother and said the Heartbeat Bill going into effect in Ohio, that outlines abortions being illegal after a heartbeat is detected, is a step in the wrong direction.

"No one should have to go through birth if they don’t want to, it is so taxing, it is so hard on your body, it takes your body so long to recover even after the post-partum period, it takes your body years to recover and even then its never going to be the same," said Payne.

Advocates said they are holding onto hope that this isn't the end, and the next step can be decided at the polls.

"I hope that energy doesn't stop, I hope it keeps on going, and it keeps on going and when the election comes up in November that we are going to be voting these people out of office because they do not deserve a place in office they do not care about us," Payne said.

On Friday Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed his support for the high court's decision.

"Those who are pro-life, including my wife Fran and me, believe the life of a human being is at stake and we have an obligation to protect that innocent life," DeWine said.

Pro-life advocates said they are thankful for the decision and said they hope this will change the culture in the country.