Abortion is a Class Issue

Maddy Cooper, Abortion Rights EC member and UNISON shop steward

Ending an unwanted pregnancy is perfectly normal. As long as someone is capable of getting pregnant there will be a need for abortion. Abortion is a medical procedure no different from any other – except that unlike any other medical procedure here in England, Scotland and Wales, a woman needs two doctors to sign to agree. Women and pregnant people will never be equal until they have full control over their bodies.

But it is also impossible to talk about abortion anywhere without talking about social class. No matter where you live in the world, no matter that abortion is illegal – if you have money you can buy yourself a safe abortion. Rich women can jet off to a country where they pay for abortion in a private clinic.

The class you come from also has a huge effect on whether a woman faced with an unplanned pregnancy can consider carrying it to term. For many working class women the reality of expensive housing, low paid jobs and no affordable childcare means many cannot contemplate continuing an unwanted pregnancy. Most women who have abortions already have children. For them it’s a choice between giving the children they already have a decent life or continuing with a pregnancy which will push the whole family over the edge of the poverty line. Rich women have no such concerns; they can access 24-hour childcare because they can afford it.

So abortion is not something the trade union can ignore: it affects working women, and the partners, friends and families of our members. I’m proud that my union, UNISON is celebrating the international struggle to keep abortion safe and legal, and bringing us together to coordinate and join our struggles where rights to abortion are under threat, such as in the US and Poland.

This is a joint meeting between UNISON’s International Committee and our Women’s Committee, but it’s open to all supporters and activists. If you are very involved already we welcome your experience and if you want to know more please come along and ask questions – everyone is welcome.