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A statement from your Exec teams on the overturning of Roe v. Wade

“We want to express our anger, disappointment, and solidarity with women in the United States of America (USA), following the dangerous decision to remove the American people’s constitutional right to abortion.

“We believe strongly and unwaveringly in the right for an individual to have control over their own body – for women and people of all genders – and the removal of this personal liberty and its consequences are deeply concerning to us. This revocation of rights represents a step back of 50 years, and a grave setback for gender rights.

“The Supreme Court’s decision shows a disregard for both the will of the people and international human rights law. With that, the USA’s stature on the world stage has diminished as its legal regression sends a message that champions inequality to the rest of the world; a message that oppressive countries, regimes and individuals will relish.

“As the World Health Organisation Director-General has stated, safe abortion should be understood as health care and limiting access will disproportionally hit women from the poorest and most marginalised communities. We all know that restricting abortion won’t end abortion. It will only end safe ones, endangering lives and entrenching inequalities between people of different socioeconomic standings.

“Sadly, this decision also stokes fears about the risk to other hard-won rights.

“So, this is why we need to stand together and add our voices and reassert that we will not accept state sanctioned forced births. America is a country with an anthem that promotes being ‘the land of the free’, but this ruling goes against everything that makes its people proud.

“We add our voices to call for the Biden administration to take all the necessary action to mitigate the potential consequences of this decision, as well as for governments across the globe to codify the right to access safe abortion services in law. Add your voice by signing one of these petitions:

Change.org campaign Defend Roe: Pass Legislation to protect abortion access

British Pregnancy Advisory Service campaign Roe v Wade: Take action now!

We stand with the women of America.”

Aysha Burton, Union Affairs and Communications Officer 2021/22

Maria Papageorgiou, Union Affairs and Communications Officer 2022/23

Beth Eaton, Wellbeing Officer 2021/22

Emily Tabern, Wellbeing Officer 2022/23

Meg Hodgkinson, Education Officer 2021/22

Bethan Corner, Education Officer 2022/23

Natasha Fowler-Ekar, Equality and Liberation Officer 2021/22

Haryati Mohammed, Equality and Liberation Officer 2022/23

Nicole Jimenez, International and Postgraduate Officer 2021/22

Vicky Zhuo, International and Postgraduate Officer 2022/23

Ella Williams, Activities and Opportunities Officer 2022/23

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