Since the start of 2009 Nicaragua has enforced a total ban on abortions in the country. This applies to victims of rape, incest and women who’s lives are endagered by the pregnancy. A pregnant woman suffering from cancer, with children waiting at home, would be given an effective death sentence by being forced to come off her medication which may harm the fetus. The effects of this new law are already being felt. An amnesty report found that in the first five months of 2009, 33 girls and women died from pregnancy and birth-related complications, compared to 20 in the same period of 2008.
The Film Night:
St. John’s cinema, Thursday Jan. 21st, 9pm
We are working with John’s films soc to show critically acclaimed film, Vera Drake, which tells the story of a working class woman in London in 1950, who performs illegal abortions for women in need. Come along to support Amnesty and find out more about this campaign.
The Rally:
Meeting at Parkers Piece and marching to Guildhall – Saturday 23rd Jan – 1-2pm
We will be calling on the Nicaraguan government to repeal this appaling law, and showing our support for the rights of women world wide to maternal health and reproductive rights!! Join us.