Blog: Why attacks on legal abortion are a trade union matter

On 2 October last year, UNISON was proud to stand in solidarity with the thousands who marched in cities across the UK, and in other parts, of the world to protest against new limits on abortions in Texas. Now it seems the US supreme court has voted to overturn Roe v Wade – a momentous ruling that will result in abortion becoming immediately illegal in an estimated 26 states when it is officially issued. This latest development is one of many attacks by governments on a woman’s right to choose across the world. The Polish government has brought in a near-total ban on abortion in that country, only permitted now 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 non-emergency services hindered both public and private abortion services. In Northern Ireland, the DUP continues to block access to abortion services. Why should UNISON be concerned about this? 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. However, a clear and concerted effort to limit access to reproductive rights is taking place in many countries across the w...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Blogs News abortion equality unison women women members Source Type: news