International Safe Abortion Day
ALRANZ Abortion Rights Aotearoa lends our voice to
organisations across the world
to support free, safe, and
legal access to abortion. Abortion is only one part of
the
larger framework of reproductive justice that
includes the right to bodily autonomy,
the choice to
parent or not, and a supportive environment to care for
children.
ALRANZ Abortion Rights Aotearoa
President, Tracy Morison, said “abortion is
healthcare,
and anyone who wishes to continue or to end a pregnancy
should be
able to do so safely”. Abortion is a
medically necessary and safe component of
comprehensive
reproductive medical care.
Abortion has been treated as a
health issue in Aotearoa New Zealand, not a crime
since
March 2020. Statistics show improved access to abortion
care: it is being
accessed earlier allowing the option of
less invasive medical abortion (pills) rather
than
surgery. There is also the potential for greater
accessibility for rural and
underserved populations
though the 0800 DECIDE National Abortion
Telehealth
Service.
ALRANZ Abortion Rights Aotearoa
supports the continued expansion of abortion
services to
meet the diverse needs of the community and will continue to
support
and monitor the implementation of safe areas to
reduce the harassment of those
accessing
abortion.
Law reform and the right to choose was
decades in the making and, as recent
events in the USA
have shown, this right needs to be safeguarded. Research
shows
that most Aotearoa New Zealanders support safe
legal abortions, but a small, vocal
anti-choice faction
has progressed their agenda by spreading disinformation
about
abortion. It is imperative that the facts about
abortion are broadcasted everywhere.
We call on
governments and people around the world, including Aotearoa,
to stand
up for reproductive justice. We demand the right
to safe abortion today and every
day, for
everyone.
To take action on International Safe
Abortion Day, we encourage people to:
- Contact your
local MP to express support for abortion access and
100%
funding in all aspects of providing abortion
services.
- Organise stigma-busting conversations and
events.
- Join and/or donate to pro-choice
organisations
- Know (and share) the facts on abortion
and how to access abortion using
credible
sources
- Support organizations providing services.
Reach out to your local abortion
provider to express your
support.
- Elect pro-choice candidates to
office.