Media Release
Monday, June 27, 2022
NCWA Statement on the Overturning of Roe vs Wade in the United States of America Supreme Court
The International Council of Women – Conseil International Des Femmes (ICW-CIF) was the first truly global women’s NGO, founded in 1888 for the advancement of women all over the world. For over 130 years, the ICW has remained an active pioneer in promoting international women’s rights and continues to do so at all levels of government; from global grassroots organisations through to the United Nations.
At the 36th General Assembly of the ICW-CIF held in Avignon France (16 to 20 May 2022), ICW members including the National Council of Women of Australia (NCWA) passed Resolution 2 – “Abortion, A Fragile Right” stating that inter alia:
THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN CALLS ON ITS AFFILIATED COUNCILS AND THEIR MEMBERS:
- to cooperate with other partners, including other NGOs, in fighting against any limitation of the right to abortion
The NCWA is devastated and saddened by the overturning of Roe vs Wade by the US Supreme Court. This decision affects the constitutional right to access safe termination of pregnancy, and may lead to dire repercussions and limitations for women accessing safe healthcare.
Women’s sexual and reproductive health is related to multiple human rights, including the right to life, the right to be free from torture, the right to health, the right to privacy, the right to education, and the prohibition of discrimination. The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) have both clearly indicated that women’s right to health includes their sexual and reproductive health.
The United States’ reluctance to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of ‘Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) has resulted in the reversal of the Roe vs Wade ruling.
The NCWA reiterates the message of the ICW-CIF’s decision in passing Resolution 2 “Abortion, A Fragile Right” on 19th May 2022 at the meeting of global National Councils of Women at the 2022 General Assembly.
Chiou See Anderson
President
National Council of Women Australia
Media contact [email protected] or +61413070400
ENDS
For more information and interviews contact Chiou See Anderson, President, National Council of Women Australia [email protected] or +61413070400
Download Media Release (pdf)
Also See: “Center For Reproductive Rights – The World’s Abortion Laws“
