The Prime Minister wants abortion out of the Crimes Act, but that may not be enough to make it happen, says Terry Bellamak, President of ALRANZ Abortion Rights Aotearoa.

Bellamak says that the public need to let MPs know that they support access to abortion as normal health care and a reproductive right before the upcoming conscience vote on the issue.

To inform the public on the issue, Bellamak will be speaking at an Auckland Women’s Centre forum on abortion law reform on 26 March, with commentator and musician Lizzie Marvelly, Greens MP Golriz Ghahraman and student activist Ella Shepherd. Broadcaster and, Venus Envy” podcast producer Noelle McCarthy will be chairing.

“After Jacinda Ardern said during the 2017 election campaign that she believes women have a right to choose whether or not they receive abortion care, we’re pleased that the government are considering three options for abortion law reform,” says Bellamak.

“But MPs need to know that the public understands that the only compassionate and fair course is to recognise that women and pregnant people have the right to decide for themselves whether or not to receive abortion care.

“It is important that women have the freedom to decide what is right for them and their families without being hampered by the stigma and delay that our current unreasonable and archaic abortion laws perpetuate.”

Details:

Abortion: A Reproductive Right, Public Forum

Tues 26 March, 7-9pm

Freemans Bay Community Hall

Donation between zero and $20; bookings essential: info@womenz.org.nz

Organised by the Auckland Women’s Centre

Moderator: broadcaster Noelle McCarthy

Speakers:

• Terry Bellamak - National President of ALRANZ Abortion Rights Aotearoa
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• Lizzie Marvelly – Ngāti Whakaue, Writer, Activist and Musician
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• Ella Shepherd - Student, Feminist and Education Activist
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• Golriz Ghahraman – MP and human rights lawyer
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