From Murdoch University Wom*n’s Collective (W.A.):
The Murdoch University Wom*n’s Collective wholeheartedly and whole-mindedly supports the Queensland Pro-Choice Collective’s campaign to have abortion removed from the Queensland Criminal Code and to have the charges against the Cairn’s Couple dropped immediately.
We offer our deepest heartfelt solidarity to the couple who is currently facing imprisonment over the procuring of an abortion.
We ask Premier Anna Bligh and all women who, either through their actions or inactions, support the prosecution of such cases, what is it you hope to gain by supporting such anti-abortion measures but the procurement of your own imprisonment within a second-class status?
We recognise that, despite the rhetoric surrounding this particular case, this case is not about the illegal smuggling of drugs. It is a politically motivated attempt to set a precedent to once again deny women access to safe abortions on demand.
In light of this and in light of the generalised and continued backlash against the many gains made by strong, clear-sighted women a generation ago, we call on all women of Australia who value self-determination, to see this move for what it is. Those of us who have traced the lines back recognise that criminalising abortion was never about upholding the sanctity of life: on the contrary; it was always about state control of women’s bodies and hence, lives. This is unacceptable and we will not abide it.
We need to work together to ensure all Australian states repeal anti-abortion legislation once and for all.
So, let’s do it.
In Solidarity, Melissa Brave, on behalf of Murdoch Uni Wom*n’s Collective.
From Radical Women, Melbourne:
Greetings from Radical Women in Melbourne to all you sisters and brothers rallying today in Brisbane. Congratulations on your determination and tenacity – which is what it will take – to end the despicable show trial in Cairns and win abortion rights in Queensland.
While you fight to legalise abortion, the right wing is planning an assault on Victoria’s reform. Using the argument of “conscientious objection,” the Catholic Church – aided by its anti-abortion parliamentary friends – is leading a challenge against the new law which requires anti-choice doctors to refer any woman wanting an abortion to another health provider. This is just one tactic to roll back a hard-won victory. It’s a reminder that every win by ordinary working people has to be defended. We can never stop organising as long as the sexist, racist, homophobic, anti-worker interests of profit exist.
The fight for full abortion rights in Queensland, Victoria, across Australia and the world are the same. The victory you will make will be a boost for pro-choice defenders in Victoria.
Radical Women is with you in solidarity, and we’ll support you every way we can. For free, safe, accessible abortion on demand in Queensland and Victoria! These battles can’t stop at our borders: For free, full abortion rights for all women throughout Australia!
Yours in the fight
Debbie Brennan
for Radical Women, Melbourne
From Campaign for Women’s Reproductive Rights, Melbourne:
Campaign for Women’s Reproductive Rights in Victoria sends greetings and solidarity to you in support of your campaign against the government of Queensland in the issues of anti-abortion laws and the prosecution of the Cairns couple. We admire your courage to mount this campaign.
While we cannot be physically present at your rally, we are totally with you in spirit and wish you every success.
We hope that the campaign against the prosecution will lead not only to the dropping of the charges but the repeal of Queensland’s draconian abortion laws.
May it give you some moral support that in Victoria, grassroots pro-choice activists continue the fight on our homefront, defending the Fertility Control Clinic against religious bigots and resisting rightwing efforts to erode Victoria’s reformed abortion law.
We eagerly await the news of a sweeping victory in Queensland.
In solidarity
Brendan Collum
for Campaign for Women’s Reproductive Rights, Victoria