- Conference
- 2007 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 25 October 2006
- Decision
- Carried
Conference is concerned that a woman’s right to access safe and legal abortion is increasingly coming under attack. Pro Life, a misleadingly titled anti-choice organisation which aims to criminalise all abortion, is gaining media time and coverage. They have already influenced and encouraged an Early Day Motion which commits Parliament to a review of the existing abortion law; a review that will allow a male dominated institution to make decisions about women’s lives.
Abortion has been legal in Britain since 1967 but the law creates unnecessary obstacles and delays which discriminate against women. For 30 years we have had this legislation, yet still many women are unable to access an abortion within the National Health Service (NHS).
Contrary to popular belief, abortion in the United Kingdom is still not available at the request of the woman; it is available only if two doctors certify that the risk to the woman’s physical or mental health is greater if she goes ahead with the pregnancy than if she has an abortion.
Women can be prevented or delayed in obtaining abortions by obstructive doctors who do not declare their conscientious objection, or who do not enable the woman to contact an alternative doctor quickly.
Conference believes that as it is the woman who is at the centre of the situation, it is her right to be able to make this decision, a decision which must be respected and protected.
Conference reaffirms our commitment to a woman’s right to choose, and to maintaining the existing legislation. Furthermore, Conference reasserts our belief that safe termination of pregnancy should be available and provided to women as part of the NHS, not privately funded, irrespective of post code.
Conference believes that if we are going to stop the anti-choice lobby taking over the debate completely then the time to act is now. We cannot afford to lose any more ground in this vital campaign.
Conference therefore instructs the National Women’s Committee to:
1)work with other pro choice organisations to raise awareness and campaign to retain and extend the current legislation and provision;
2)organise, fund and facilitate a one day women only conference to bring together the key opinion makers and campaigners to educate, politicise and strategise for the forthcoming campaign, to ensure that when the battle lines are drawn women are ready to move forward and be vocal.