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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Vol 37, No. 16. July 10, 1974

Starr on Abortion

Starr on Abortion

Jessica Starr is a representative of the Women's National Abortion Action Coalition (WONAAC) in the USA, and has been a leader in the fight to repeal all anti-abortion laws, and to end the practice of forced sterilisation which is aimed at poor women, and women from national minorities. She will be in New Zealand in mid-July of this year and will be speaking on: Why abortion should be repealed What the US Supreme Court ruling on abortion means for women Where the so-called "right to life" crusaders go wrong.

Jessica Star's tour is being organised by the Women's National Abortion Action Campaign (WONAAC) in New Zealand. Like its counterpart in the USA, WONAAC aims to unite women in a vigorous campaign to demand that the government remove all restrictions on women's right to control their own reproductive lives.

In the USA, WONAAC contributed much to the development of overwhelming public sentiment in favour of women's right to abortion. Through building large demonstrations, public meetings, and conferences of women WONAAC gave expression to the anger women felt against the institutions, laws and prejudices which denied them control over their bodies.

The widening support given to the demands of WONAAC resulted in a sweeping change in the abortion laws, made in a Supreme Court ruling on January 22, 1973. In the USA abortion is now legal up to the 24th week of pregnancy, and available up to the 12th week on the women's request alone. Beyond 24 weeks abortion is legal only if the life or health of the women is endangered by continuation of the pregnancy.

This decision was a victory for all women, both in the United States and around the world.

As a national coordinator of the USA WONAAC, Jessica has spoken extensively on television and radio, has debated "Right-to-Lifers" frequently, and is an articulate and skilled debator on the abortion issue.

Here Jessica Star speak:
  • Sunday, July 21—Reception, 5pm,
  • Smoking Room, VUW Union Building, Admission $2.
  • Monday, July 22 Forum, Teachers' College, Donald Street Karori.
  • Tuesday, July 23 Forum 12 noon, Union Hall, VUW Student Union Building
  • Money to pay for the tour is urgently needed! Please send your donation to P.O. Box 2669, Wellington.