1.How did you get involved with pro-choice activism?
The first social movement I ever engaged with was the abortion rights movement. I attended
the march for choice in 2014, and it played a huge role in my politicization. I felt like those
affected by a lack of access to abortion deserved justice, and as a young woman the issue
stuck a chord with me. As a 19 year old I experienced my first pregnancy scare, and I
realised how messed up everything was. I was in the middle of a depressive episode,
couldn’t afford an abortion, and on the other hand couldn’t face the perceived shame and
judgement from my family if I had a child. I never wanted children, and I still don’t. If I it
turned out I was pregnant 4 years ago, I don’t know if I would be alive right now. It’s
uncomfortable to say, and I’m sure it’s uncomfortable to read, but that’s the reality. This is a
life threatening issue.
2. Why do you think fighting for free safe and legal abortion is essential rather than the conditional access to abortion other mainstream parties advocate?
Abortion should be free as part of maternity care through the public health service. It should
be provided legally to ensure the safety of those accessing it, and so that people needing
abortion do not have to resort to dangerous measures in order to terminate their pregnancy.
Any party or group that advocates anything less than free safe and legal abortion at the
discretion of the pregnant person is living in a dream world. In my opinion, making
irresponsible and dangerous decisions in regards to women’s healthcare in order to placate
a conservative voter base is unforgivable. Women’s rights will never be safe in the hands of
right wingers in the Dáil. That is why I fight for socialism and for women’s rights; I believe
they are inextricably connected struggles.
3. How does partition relate to your ideas about abortion rights and the pro-choice movement?
People need free, safe and legal access to abortion and the right to choose above and
below the border. I hope that the solidarity between activists in the north and south is
cultivated more and continues to grow after the 8th amendment is repealed. We have
countless more battles to fight in society against poverty, austerity, homelessness, racism,
misogyny, queer oppression and colonialism. These issues do not cease at borders. Fighting
together, we are stronger.
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