The symbolism of green with the Pro-choice movement
The color green as a symbol of reproductive freedom was first popularized during the 2010s in Argentina. Argentinians fought for the government to legalize abortion, with the help of the green handkerchief. This was known as the “Marea Verde” or “Green Wave”. The handkerchief first came from the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, who used white handkerchiefs, representing diapers when they protested for their lost children. This movement was present during the 1970s and 1980s when many children disappeared under the military dictatorship. In 2003, there was a gathering of feminists led by Marta Alanis from Catholics for the Right to Decide in Argentina, when they first introduced the green bandanas in homage to the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo. Green is a symbol of hope, health, and life, and Alanis decided that it would be perfect for the pro-choice movement to reclaim the right to life by using green. Protesters in the streets of Argentina wore their green bandanas and put green everywhere, expanding the movement. Argentina legalized abortion in 2020, but their impact is still present in the U.S. and in Colombia where citizens are fighting to legalize and protect abortion. This movement inspired change across the globe. The great progress achieved in Latin America for reproductive rights is encouraging a new generation of activists in the United States.
After the Supreme Court draft opinion and the overturn of Roe v. Wade, green has flooded the streets during rallies as a universal symbol of strength of the pro-choice movement. It is so powerful seeing hundreds of people teeming in the streets with green as they unite to fight for a common cause. This activism tactic was incredibly powerful in Argentina, and is now happening in the U.S. Although the number of protests has declined, I still see posters everyday in green on the streets, a constant symbol of strength and hope for the movement.
Sources:
https://www.npr.org/2022/06/27/1107717283/abortion-rights-green-symbol https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2022/05/10978997/green-scarf-meaning-roe-v-wade-protests
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2022/abortion-green-roe-wade-argentina/
