Description
Book SynopsisAbortion remains one of the most politicized issues globally and whilst some countries such as the USA continue to experience restrictions to access to abortion, Northern Ireland stands out as having enacted historical positive change in abortion law, from an almost complete ban throughout the Twentieth Century to decriminalization achieved in 2019. This book documents and analyzes how this historical change was achieved. This, the second of two volumes, places emphasis on allies and support for abortion provision, illustrating how the movement has relied upon an intersectional network of social movement actors, NGOs and fundraisers to maintain momentum and inclusivity. It also focuses on the reality of abortion provision. Each chapter is written by those directly involved in the long-fought battle to change abortion law - including those with personal experience of seeking abortions, activists, academics, legal experts, political actors, NGOs, and volunteers. This interdisciplin
Trade ReviewThese two volumes,
Decriminalizing Abortion in Northern Ireland, are a remarkable achievement. Bloomer and Campbell have pulled together the voices of abortion seekers, abortion activists, people working in non-government organisations, policy-makers and academics to document how abortion was decrminialized in Northern Ireland. Given the Northern Ireland political system (devolved legislature; consociationalism), the stories told are complex and deeply personal. Authors cover a vast array of topics, including legal debates, abortion campaigns and struggles, alliances and coalitions, strategic litigation, the confluence of local and international dynamics, personal tragedies and resilience, political acts of betrayal, research, protests, education, silences, volunteerism, myths, misinformation, as well as the role of international solidarity, the Irish diaspora, trade unions, student movements, LGBTQ+ and women's movements, and the courageous actions of various abortion providers. As pointed out by the editors, "no one single action can ever deliver social change". These books show, however, how concerted feminist effort can and must win the day. The volumes are a must-read for anybody - whether professionally or personally - interested in ensuring reproductive justice and agency for people with uteri. * Professor Catriona Macleod, Rhodes University, South Africa *
An excellent and inspiring account of the long movement for abortion decriminalisation in Northern Ireland. The editors have pulled together the accounts and analysis of key actors in the campaign in order to provide original and comprehensive coverage of the wide range of activities that made this success possible. This is a timely publication, given recent attacks on abortion rights, that will be invaluable for activists everywhere * Professor Lesley Hoggart, The Open University, UK *
Decriminalizing Abortion in Northern Ireland is a deep dive into the long road to decriminalisation, spanning two volumes and a timeline of decades … These two volumes tell the rich history of the abortion rights movement in NI, and how a constellation of movements and actors came together to achieve decriminalisation. They are a must-read for anyone researching abortion rights, and for those unfamiliar with the NI context, provide a thorough introduction -- Dr Zoe L. Tongue * Frontiers of Socio-Legal Studies *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments List Of Contributors 1. Introduction
Emma Campbell And Fiona Bloomer Theme 3 Allied Organisations/ Activities 2. London-Irish Abortion Rights Campaign (LIARC)
Cara Sanquest 3. Repeal And Irish Partnerships
Danielle Roberts 4. The Meaning And Impact Of International Solidarity For Abortion Rights In Ni
emilie Weiderud And Katie Gillum 5. From The Underground To The Avant-Garde: A Conversation On Contributions Of The Irish Feminist Diaspora To Reproductive Justice In NI
Ann Rossiter And Helena Walsh 6. Rally For Choice
Elaine Crory, Emma Wallace And Fionnghuala Nic Roibeaird 7. Art, Alliance For Choice And Activism
Emma Campbell 8. The Trade Union Movement Influence On Abortion Law Changes In NI And The Republic Of Ireland
Naomi Connor And Noirin Mcnamara 9. The Student Movement
Rachel Powell And Hamsavani Rajeswaren 10. The Women’s Sector
Ann Mcvicker And Helen Crickard 11. Medical Students For Choice (MSFC)
Jill Mcmanus 12. Reflecting On How The LGBTQ+ Movement Engaged With The Pro-Choice Movement To Support And Champion The Journey To Decriminalisation
Danielle Mackle And Alexa Moore And Danielle Roberts 13. Faith And Abortion
Kellie Turtle And Fiona Bloomer 14
. Whispered Conversations: Disability And Abortion
Rachel Powell, Jakki Hanlon And Fiona Mcmahon 15. NI Life And Times Survey (NILT)
Ann Marie Gray Theme 4 Abortion Provision 16. Midwives
Breedagh Hughes 17. The Human Cost Of NI’s Abortion Law: An Abortion Fund Story
Mara Clarke 18. Putting Abortion Pills And Knowledge Into Women’s Hands In NI
Susan Yanow 19. From Abortion Ship To Telemedicine: Women On Waves And Women On Web In Northern Ireland
Hazal Atay 20. MSI Clinic Escorts
Natalie Biernat And Saoirse Johnston 21. The Role Of Abortion Pills In Decriminalisation
Goretti Horgan 22. Doctors For Choice
Leanne Morgan, Laura Mclaughlin, Aly Hunter, Jayne Kavanaugh And Siobhan Kirk 23. Conclusion
Emma Campbell And Fiona Bloomer Appendices Glossary Bibliography Index
