The Workers’ Party recognises that women have the right to control their own bodies, including their fertility, and to pursue all reproductive choices. This is fundamental to any reasonable concept of gender equality in order to achieve full political, social, and economic equality with men. The Party rejects the paternalistic attitude that regards women as second class citizens incapable of making their own decisions. The Party supports a full programme of secular sex education for schools, free access to contraception, proper health and social care for pregnant women, the provision of appropriate free and quality child care facilities and adequate support for single and low income parents. 

The Workers’ Party believes in a woman’s right to choose and supports the provision of free and safe abortion in her own country which will include practical facilities to support women seeking an abortion and
quality post-abortion care.   To that end the Party believes that legislation should be introduced with immediate effect to enable women to avail of free and full access to abortion and that in the case of Northern Ireland the Abortion Act 1967 should be extended forthwith.

The Workers’ Party opposes the vile attempts to stigmatise and demonise women who have had abortions and who support the right to choose and further condemns those who engage in anti-choice harassment and abuse.

Issued 26th September 2012