Women on Waves arrived yesterday in Dublin, Ireland, where abortion is illegal, to provide abortion and reproductive health services to women on a specially equipped ship. The Feminist Majority Foundation’s (FMF) National Clinic Access Project staff is currently providing technical expertise in contemporary threat management and is assisting in the development and implementation of security protocols for the vessel. FMF is assisting the Dutch ship, led by Dr. Rebecca Gomperts, and donating time, staff and resources to ensure the safety of the staff, crew, and women patients aboard the sailing clinic.
According to the Irish Family Planning Association, more than 6,000 Irish women traveled to Britain to obtain abortions last year. It is unknown how many others attempt at-home abortions or seek unsafe, illegal abortions. The United Nations estimates that 80,000 women and girls worldwide die annually from complications resulting from botched, illegal abortions. Women’s health and feminist organizations estimate the number to be greater than 200,000.
Read FMF’s Press Release Feminist Majority Foundation Assists Women on Waves
