Related
Read our latest articles, studies and columns on sexual health and rights.
For millions of American people access to safe abortion is at risk. When the Roe vs. Wade ruling is overturned, the clock will be turned back. To defend the right to self-determination and show solidarity with the American people who soon might not have access to safe abortion, hundreds of people gathered in Amsterdam on Saturday 7 May.
Rutgers Executive Director Marieke van der Plas, was one of the speakers: “Rutgers is very concerned about the current political climate and the developments in the United States. For decades people have fought for good and safe abortion care worldwide. Now it appears that this battle is unfortunately far from over. Every person who gets pregnant against their will has the right to terminate their pregnancy and access safe abortion care. Also in the US. It’s about freedom of choice, the right to self-determination and access to safe medical care.”
“We also know that limiting the right to abortion does not lead to fewer abortions – only to more unsafe abortions. Often with serious complications, or even death as a result,” Marieke stated.
In the United States, thousands of people took to the streets last week to protest against the draft Supreme Court decision. If the draft decision is final, any state can criminalise abortion and deny women access to abortion. For example, the governor of Oklahoma signed a law on Tuesday night that prohibits abortion after six weeks.
Rutgers is committed to freedom of choice and therefore to safe abortion with good regulation and care. Not only in the Netherlands but also abroad. Because every woman has the right to decide over her own body and life. And as long as that right is not self-evident for everyone in the world, there is work to be done and we will make ourselves heard.
The demonstration in Amsterdam was supported by Rutgers, Amnesty International, Women Inc. and the organisation behind the Dutch Women’s March.
