TAMPA, Fla. – Amid the cracks of thunder and sounds of raindrops falling, chants could be heard throughout downtown Tampa on Saturday afternoon.
The sounds of "my body, my choice!" could be heard for blocks as roughly 300 protesters approached the steps of the courthouse.
There, passing traffic honked as the group waved signs stating their support for a woman's right to choose.
"I'm 18. I think about my little sister who's 11, and she doesn't even have to think about using these types of rights yet. I just fear for the younger generation and what could happen to them," said Hannah West, who was accompanied by her aunt.
Some protesters say it was their first time out here and last week's ruling made them feel like they needed to do something.
"We always thought that this day might come," said Sarah Schmalz. "But the fact that it's actually here now it's scary because the talk that they could potentially take away other rights not just for women but for same-sex couples, it's just absolutely unacceptable."
Chris Haely remembers a time when women didn't have the same rights as they do today and applauded the younger generation for coming out to voice their concerns.
"I've always had this protection in my life and now I have two daughters and they do not have this protection and it really concerns me. I feel like I'm a second-class citizen again," she said.
A spokesperson for Gov. DeSantis issued a statement to Spectrum Bay News 9 regarding Judge John Cooper's decision to issue a temporary block on changes that would restrict abortions to 15 weeks.
"The pro-life HB 5 signed by Gov. DeSantis is a measure to protect the life of the unborn, so that they may also be able to live and experience their natural rights. While we are disappointed with yesterday’s ruling, we know that the pro-life HB 5 will ultimately withstand all legal challenges," spokesperson Christina Pushaw wrote in an email.
"The Florida Supreme Court previously misinterpreted Florida’s right to privacy as including a right to an abortion, and we reject this interpretation. The Florida Constitution does not include–and has never included–a right to kill an innocent unborn child. We will appeal yesterday’s ruling and ask the Florida Supreme Court to reverse its existing precedent regarding Florida’s right to privacy. The struggle for life is not over."