Life
Over the past few days, talk of abortion on social media has rightfully increased. The awareness-raising is mainly down to a series of bills recently passed in the U.S.; in particular, Alabama's highly restrictive abortion law. Plenty of UK citizens have, however, pointed out that a place much closer to home is currently in a worse situation. People living in Northern Ireland are unable to legally have an abortion, unless there is a serious risk to their health. But you can help change Northern Ireland's abortion laws and ensure that every person living in the UK enjoys the same rights.
Right now, anyone involved in procuring an abortion in Northern Ireland can receive a punishment of life imprisonment. The only option for people wanting to terminate a pregnancy in the country is to do so illegally (usually by buying potentially dangerous pills online) or to travel to another part of the UK. In 2017, it was announced that people would be able to have a free abortion in England, reports the BBC. But for those who can't afford travel costs or want to remain close to their family and friends, this isn't a viable option.
"There seems to be a permanent block in the public’s mind about the fact that in one part of the United Kingdom basic human reproductive rights are being denied to women," Mara Clarke from the Abortion Support Network told the Guardian.
Here's a few things you can do to ensure everyone knows what's really going on and, more importantly, to effect the change people in Northern Ireland have been seeking for decades.
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Donate
Several organisations need all the money they can get to continue providing abortion access and resources to those who need it. You can do this via quick and easy donations (either one-off or monthly) or by buying merchandise.
Alliance for Choice sells everything from magnets and badges to T-shirts, sweatshirts, and tote bags. Alternatively, you can donate here to help them hold workshops, boost social media campaigns, and ensure the voices of the Northern Irish people are heard in Westminster.
Similarly, you can donate to the Abortion Rights Campaign and buy merchandise. The Abortion Support Network needs donations too to provide financial assistance to those people who need to travel for a legal and safe abortion.
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Fundraise Or Volunteer
Charitable organisations know that the average person doesn't have money growing out of their ears. If you're not in a position to donate, you can still raise funds for all of the above names.
Alliance for Choice has put together a fundraising toolkit full of up-to-date information, posters, and leaflets. It has also listed a bunch of fundraising ideas including cake and pre-worn clothing sales, a quiz night, or a personal physical challenge.
The Abortion Support Network also welcomes fundraisers along with volunteers. You can also lend a hand to the Abortion Rights Campaign in areas such as social media, policy writing, event organisation, and general admin.
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Together, we can make a difference and bring Northern Ireland's abortion legislation into 2019.