Attacks on legal abortion are a trade union matter
The US Supreme Court ’ s decision to overturn Roe v Wade just a few weeks ago is a momentous ruling that results in abortion potentially becoming immediately illegal in an estimated 26 states .
But it is only the latest development in many attacks by governments on a woman ’ s right to choose across the world . In this column , Anne McVicker , chair of UNISON ’ s national women ’ s committee , and Liz Wheatley , chair of Unison ’ s international committee , explain why this matters to trade unions everywhere .
Over the past two years , the Polish Government has brought in a near-total ban on abortion in that country , only permitted now
UNISON wants to see a change in the law to see buffer zones to protect women in all such places . The right to have a safe abortion , in private and with dignity , should not depend on where you happen to live .” in cases of rape or incest , or when pregnancy threatens a mother ’ s health or life .
The pandemic led to restrictions in access to abortion , even in countries where it is generally accessible , such as the Netherlands , where a court rejected a plea for abortion pills to be made available without a physical visit to a clinic .
In Romania , the decision to suspend all nonemergency services hindered both public and private abortion services . And here at home , in Northern Ireland , the DUP continues to block access to abortion services .
Trade unions are part of the fight to empower women ’ s choices because women , wherever they are , will always seek access to abortion services . Restricting abortion does not reduce its prevalence . That ’ s why legal , safe , accessible abortion is so important .
In many places , attacks on abortion rights are part of broader sustained attacks on human rights and minority groups . This is , in turn , informing the campaigns of those campaigning for office , too .
In 2021 , Chile ’ s far right presidential candidate , Antonio Kast , ran on a pledge to prohibit abortion , eliminate the ministry of
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24 OTnews July 2022