Global Women's Voices: Share Personal Stories

Rebecca Gomperts, Netherlands

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On June 11, 2001 Women on Waves* set out to Ireland on a 18 day journey. We were invited by Irish abortion rights groups. Two medical doctors and a nurse were on board the ship. In the harbors of Dublin and Cork we provided contraceptives, counseling, information and hosted workshops to create a platform for dialogue. We also planned to legally dispense the abortion-pill outside Ireland’s territorial waters to women with unwanted pregnancies who requested our help.

In Ireland, abortion is illegal. It has the most restrictive abortion laws in the European Union. Every year more than 6500 Irish women must travel to England to get an abortion. For many others, this is not an option.

In April 2001, before our pilot voyage to Ireland, Women on Waves applied for a Dutch license to provide first trimester abortions in its mobile treatment room. In February 2002 the application for the license was officially denied. Women on Waves appealed that decision, since with this license it would also have been able to help women with later pregnancies (until 12 weeks). Unfortunately, the appeal Women on Waves filed against the denial of the license has also been declared without merit.

However, in July 2002 the Dutch Minister of Health has ascertained unambiguously that Women on Waves floating women’s health clinic can provide the abortion pill for very early abortions on board a Dutch ship. This means that Women on Waves can continue with its activities- albeit with restrictions- and will sail again soon.

Our next projects are already in full preparation. By bringing attention to the lack of reproductive freedom, Women on Waves hopes to serve as a catalyst for change.

Dr. Rebecca Gomperts,
Founder Women on Waves

*Women on Waves is a Dutch non-profit organization concerned with women's human rights. Its mission is to prevent unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortions throughout the world.

updated: 7/14/2004