PRO-CHOICE VOICE TO BE HEARD

A rally organised by passionate young Tasmanians to support Michelle O’Byrne’s reproductive health legislation is gathering steam with almost two hundred people registering their support on Facebook.

The rally, to be held this Sunday at 12pm on Parliament Lawns, was organised by Jamila Fontana and Georgia Allen in response to anti-choice protests held recently, some involving children as young as nine.

“I saw the use of emotionally manipulative material and selective use of facts by anti-choice groups and decided that enough was enough – there needs to be a show of support for the decriminalisation of abortion and a woman’s right to choose,” Ms Fontana said.

“I knew it was short notice, but it’s been amazing how positive the response has been and how quickly it has come.

“It goes to demonstrate that, contrary to the statements of noisy lobby groups, there is significant support for this reform.”

With the Reproductive Health Bill being tabled in Parliament today, the organisers have urged Tasmanians to display a final show of support ahead of a debate in Parliament next week.

“We need to show those MPs set to oppose the legislation that a vote against this bill is a vote against the women of their electorate and that we won’t stand for it.

“It’s about letting women put their bodies and their health first without fear of jail sentence.”

Several organisations representing women have come forward to support the event and have representatives speak at the rally, including the Women’s Legal Service, the Women’s Health Service and the Tasmania University Union which today passed a resolution reaffirming its pro-choice position.

More information on the event can be found at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/323771087748854/324173621041934/
Jamila Fontana and Georgia Allen