Qld Abortion rights campaign intensifies

Pro-choice activists are intensifying the campaign against Queensland's anti-abortion laws and demanding charges laid against a young Cairns couple to be dropped.

A young woman faces up to seven years' jail over allegedly procuring an abortion, while her partner faces up to three years' jail for allegedly assisting in procuring an abortion.

It is the first time in more than half a century that a Queensland woman faces jail over an abortion. Despite more than 80% of people supporting a woman's right to choose, abortion still remains on the criminal code in Queensland, and all states except Victoria and the ACT.

Brisbane's Pro Choice Action Collective will hold a protest on October 2 outside the Roma Street Police Station, to focus attention on the role of the police force in the case. PCAC believes the young Cairns couple has been targeted by the police to create a test case designed to set back access to abortion in Queensland. The protest will begin at noon.

PCAC is also organising a screening of Abortion, Corruption and Cops on October 12 at the Trades and Labour Council; an abortion rights contingent at the October 30 Reclaim the Night march; and a major rally for November 21.

A convergence in Cairns at the time of the couple's trial is also being discussed. PCAC can be contacted on prochoiceaction@gmail.com.

From GLW issue 812