Millions of women marched against Donald Trump this past weekend across the world. Just days later, he gave us the metaphorical middle finger when he reinstated the Global Gag Rule (GGR).
The GGR is an anti-abortion policy that affects women in developing countries around the world, including South Africa. It means that any NGO that performs abortions or even provides information about abortion is not allowed to receive US aid.
Basically, it will take away vulnerable women’s rights to decide what to do with their bodies and their lives.
Here’s what could happen to you and other women in southern Africa because of the GGR:
1 Dangerous abortions
Unsafe abortions are a major cause of maternal mortality among women worldwide. Legal or not, the GGR cannot stop abortions altogether because many women still require them.
2 Increased pregnancies and STIs
Women won’t have access to free contraceptives, like condoms and the birth control pill, because the GGR will cut off one of the biggest voluntary donors of contraceptives, the US Agency for International Development.
3 No more help
NGO’s will have to turn you away, or worse, close down, because they cannot survive without the US funding.
Want to know what you can do to help?
Whitney Chinogwenya, spokeswoman for Marie Stopes SA, a non-profit organisation providing contraception and safe abortion services, shares how we can make sure our right to safe abortions remain protected.
1 Petition, write letters and participate in marches.
2 Support organisations who advocate safe abortion care, like End Abortion Stigma Initiative or the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition.
3 Donate to an abortion provider or clinic such as the Marie Stopes SA Social Fund.
4 End the stigma – discuss abortion as openly and honestly as possible in your daily life.
Ready to be inspired? Check out these awesome posters and these powerful quotes from the Women’s March.
