Time to get active!

It's been more than 10 years since we've had a rally for abortion rights in NSW, but now is the time as abortion rights are under attack both in Australia and overseas.

Why now? Drop the QLD charges

As many of you will know a young QLD couple have been charged under archaic abortion laws and have been committed to stand trial in relation to the use of RU486, an abortion drug, which they obtained from relatives overseas. RU486 is legal in Australia and safe, however distribution remains tightly controlled by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

The QLD government has indicated that the case relates to the importation of the drug and safety concerns about the use of RU486 at home. Why then have the couple been charged under the abortion laws?

Abortion remains a crime in NSW and QLD, however common law rulings have established "lawful" grounds for abortion when a woman's physical or mental health is at risk. We are calling for all abortion laws to be repealed. This is very relevant for people in NSW as the Criminal Code 1899 QLD (ss 224-226) and the Crimes Act 1900 NSW (ss 82-84) are in almost
identical terms.

Why now? Right to Life conference

The rally has also been called in response to an International Federation of Right to Life Associations conference which is scheduled for that weekend.  Recent polls show that there is majority support for a woman's right to choose and it is important to remind the public and the media of this at a time when anti-abortionists will be active and vocal.

Why now? US Anti-abortion legislation

Recently US states such as Nebraska and Oklahoma have passed anti-abortion bills, for example, Oklahoma has passed legislation which prohibits a woman from getting an abortion unless she first has an ultrasound, is shown the ultrasound image and listens to a detailed description of the foetus. Other amendments also prevent women from suing doctors who
knowingly withhold information about the foetus, including whether there's a foetal abnormality.

Nebraska has signed a law that bans most abortions 20 weeks after conception or later on the theory that a foetus, by that stage in the pregnancy, has the capacity to feel pain.

These legislative changes are clear attacks on the rights of women to be in control of their bodies and their reproductive choices.

Tell your friends! See you on the 29th!

Reproductive rights are human rights!

For more info check out http://www.waac.org.au/