US: Anti-abortion and abortion rights activists stage demonstrations in Manhattan, New York, N.Y., March 23

Anti-abortion activists have gathered at Foley Square in the Manhattan borough of New York, New York, on March 23 to participate in the International Gift of Life Walk. Demonstration organizers have said that the purpose of the march is to affirm "the personhood of the pre-born child." Protest participants are slated to walk from Foley Square down Broadway.

Abortion rights activists have organized a counterprotest in the vicinity of the march; participants were instructed to meet at 40 Foley Square. Unconfirmed reports indicate that police have arrested several counterprotest participants as the anti-abortion march moves through Lower Manhattan. Further arrests are possible over the coming hours.

Authorities will likely maintain a heightened security presence in areas that are subject to protest activity for the duration of the demonstrations. The rallies and any heightened security measures that authorities impose will likely cause transport disruptions. Clashes between demonstrators and police, or between anti-abortion and abortion rights demonstrators, cannot be ruled out. Police may close roads on short notice to facilitate the demonstrations.