Pro-choice vigil a success

Pro-choice vigil a success

By Jo Williams

MELBOURNE — More than 100 people gathered on the steps of the State Library here on May 28, the International Day of Action for Reproductive Rights. The vigil was organised by the Pro-Choice Coalition.

The action began with a spirited performance by local singer Jody Galvin. Speakers included Andrea Bauer, a reproductive rights activist from Seattle currently touring Australia. Bauer spoke about the situation facing US women, where the legal right to abortion means very little in practise. Dr Lynette Dumble and Susan Price from the Pro-Choice Coalition also spoke. Protesters lit candles and chalked outlines of bodies to represent women who have died from backyard abortions.

The Pro-choice Coalition is organising another demonstration on August 8 to coincide with a national day of action for abortion law repeal. There will be a benefit gig at the Empress Hotel on July 30 to raise funds for the campaign. For further information telephone (03) 9329 1277.

From GLW issue 320