Democratic Rights

The Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act is part of a long list of attacks on the rights of working women and men. This aspect of the Act was brought brought out by the trade union women who saw it as an attack on the democratic right to abortion. The right to abortion is particularly essential for working women who often can least afford the fare to Australia. Many families cannot survive without two incomes but cannot afford the high cost of childcare either.

Direct action was seen to be difficult for solo mothers. The main ideas to come out were the setting up of creches by women's groups and, in areas which do not have established women's groups, placing notices in the local paper. These could invite women to a discussion on abortion, perhaps at an individual's home.

In the Campus Women's workshop, participants shared their experiences on their own campuses and ways in which th they had promoted the abortion campaign Some methods of action to come out of this were the use of student newspapers; leafletting; setting up women's notice- boards; speaking at lectures; holding forums with both pro- and anti-abortion speakers since these stimulate lively debate. At VUWSA a system has been set up whereby if a student needs an abortion and and is referred by Student Health, she may may be able to obtain an Assoc. Trust loan to go to Australia.