Global Safe Abortion Action Day

Posted by Melissa McEwan at Friday, September 28, 2012
image of a quote from Hillary Clinton reading: 'Being pro-choice is trusting the individual to make the right choice for herself and her family, and not entrusting that decision to anyone wearing the authority of government in any regard.'
Today is Global Safe Abortion Action Day, the history of which has its roots in Latin America: "This day of action has its origin in Latin America where women's groups have been mobilizing around September 28 the last two decades to demand their governments to decriminalize abortion, to provide access to safe and affordable abortion services and to end stigma and discrimination towards women who choose to have an abortion. This date was chosen in commemoration of the abolition of slavery in Brazil which is now remembered as the day of the 'free womb' demanding for safe and legal abortion for all women."

Pathfinder International, who provided the above image with that great quote from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, is marking Global Safe Abortion Action Day by sharing stories of what abortion looks like in parts of Africa, where reproductive rights are not guaranteed. As we know, reproductive rights aren't guaranteed anywhere, not even in the US, without fierce defenders among policymakers. Securing reproductive rights globally is an active, ongoing pursuit.

Pathfinder is doing fundraising through the 30th that's being matched by a generous donor, if you'd like someplace to point your teaspoon today.

Other suggestions for donations, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to wield your teaspoon: Planned Parenthood. Doctors Without Borders. The Lilith Fund. Care. The Guttmacher Institute. The National Abortion Federation. The Feminist Abortion Network. Choice USA. European Pro-Choice Network. NARAL. Catholics for Choice.

There are many other organizations around the world marking Global Safe Abortion Action Day in different ways. Please feel welcome and encouraged to leave links to other pro-choice orgs marking the day and/or additional teaspooning opportunities.
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