Please note: this article was first written in September of 2021. The monumental overturning of Roe vs. Wade (originally made in the 1970s) in the United States in June, 2022 has further inhibited freedom of choice and womxn's rights. As a femme identifying person, this is extremely frightening. My heart aches for the world. If you want updated information please see the following links.
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Texas has recently passed a law, making abortion a criminal offence after just 6 weeks. The legislation also does not allow abortions at a result of incest or rape.
It comes after numerous pro-choice victories were documented in countries such as Argentina, Ireland and most recently Mexico. And yet, the new laws in Texas have completely and utterly undermined women's rights progress. One step forward, two steps back. It also gives increased legitimacy to other anti-choice governments and organisations causing alarm across the globe.
The Alabama State Governor passed a bill making abortion a criminal offence in May of 2019. Other states such as Georgia, Arkansas, Ohio, Utah, Mississippi and Kentucky and Missouri are following suit. It seems as though throughout a climate of uncertainty, those in power are still finding avenues for female oppression.
IMAGE SOURCE: CHARLES JEFFREY
A GROSS MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE.
A DESPICABLE DISPLAY OF MALE POWER.
AN ATTEMPT AT OPPRESSION.
BUT WE WILL NOT STAND DOWN. WE ARE POWERFUL.
WE ARE MIGHTY.
WE DESERVE THE AGENCY TO MAKE OUR OWN CHOICES.
WE ARE NOT DEFINED BY OUR WOMB.
WE ARE WOMEN.
A decision to bring a child into this world, is a choice made by a women, her family and doctor. An act of liberty. If a woman does not wish to have a child, it is her personal freedom to do so.
It does not matter why a woman decides to have an abortion. What matters, is that she is given the agency to do so. And yet, politicians (mostly male) are consistently trying to control the reproductive freedoms of women. On the 14th of May, 2019, twenty-five republicans voted to criminalize abortion in Alabama. All of whom, were men. The politicians making these Draconian laws, cannot even get pregnant. Why is it, that women must bear the brunt of reproduction? If you cut off a woman’s reproductive choices, can we not cut off a man’s?
HOW TO FIGHT A WAR?
1.) Educate yourself on your rights and the rights of others. You can read more about reproductive freedoms as a women here:
Information Series on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights – United Nations
Centre for Reproductive Rights
Reproductive Choice Australia: Fact Sheet
2.) Vote pro-choice, pro-women and pro-health.
3.) SPEAK LOUD.
4.) Join the Women’s March and other protests in your local area.
5.) Donate to Abortion funds, helping women with the financial assistance they need to find safe abortions and other reproductive healthcare, like contraception. If you’re in Australia: Marie Stopes or Children by Choice (QLD). If you’re in the United States: the National Network of Abortion Funds .
IMAGE SOURCE: SINEAD ODWYER BREASTPLATE
~ Charlotte