Thirty Six years after the historical Wade Vs Roe hearing in Texas which legalised abortion in almost all the states in America, Obama, has made a resounding decision to overturn a law introduced by Bush that restricted funding to international organisations that have fought for abortion rights for women.
This decision is firstly a symbolic victory for organisations like Mary Stopes International. But, most importantly it is a clear message to many countries where abortion is still illegal or the legal realm relies on the causes of pregnancy as opposed to ‘choice’ and often forces women to the back streets for botched procedures, that have a terrible effect on the wellbeing of women in general.
In the context of Nepal, it was only in 2002 that abortion laws were passed allowing women the right to abortion in their first trimester and access to abortion in the first eighteen weeks if the pregnancy was a cause of rape or incest. Before 2002 abortion was considered a criminal act that carried a sentence of over fifteen years in jail.
Obama’s ruling has created an opportunity for international organisations to be well equipped to continue their fight against states that are burdening the lives of women with their antiquated and patriarchal policies.
4 responses so far ↓
DOMINO // January 26, 2009 at 6:31 am |
Ha ha! You and those snappy headlines! It’s a gift!
gitangi // January 27, 2009 at 8:58 pm |
Thank you Domino! Did you read what Berlusconi said? Grrrrrrr…
Emilie // January 26, 2009 at 11:49 am |
His decision will also open debate about abortion in countries were it remains illegal. NGO’s which lobby for changes to the law to protect w omen’s right to choose will now be able to receive funding.
Ya!
etronica // February 4, 2009 at 12:30 am |
kerrect. full marks.