Remembering Glenda Jackson: Celebrating the Life of an Oscar-Winning Actress and Pro-Choice Advocate

In a world where talent and activism converge, Glenda Jackson was a force to be reckoned with. As a distinguished Oscar-winning actress and former Labour Member of Parliament, she left an indelible mark on the worlds of entertainment and politics; we mourn the loss of this remarkable woman as she passed away today at age of 87.

Glenda Jackson’s contributions extended beyond the silver screen and the halls of Parliament. She was also a vocal pro-choice advocate and a supporter of Abortion Rights, a prominent organisation fighting for women’s reproductive rights. Let us reflect upon her legacy and her impact on both the stage and the world of activism.

In 2014, Abortion Rights joined forces with Glenda Jackson, the lone dissenting MP, to counter a 10-minute bill that aimed to curtail abortion rights under the deceptive pretence of addressing sex-selective abortions. This bill, disguised as concern for female foetuses, was just one example of the wedge issues employed by conservative anti-choice campaigns. These divisive tactics, intended to create divisions among pro-choice advocates, have been recurrent in the abortion rights sphere. Other instances include attempts to reduce abortion time limits, as seen with Nadine Dorries’ proposal in 2007, and the introduction of compulsory counselling for women. The issue of sex-selective abortions also emerged as a contentious matter in 2015.

In 2015, we encountered a formidable challenge in the form of an Amendment on Sex-Selective Abortion within the Serious Crime Bill, which we later recognised as a deceptive ‘Trojan horse.’ Nevertheless, we skillfully redirected the trajectory of the debate and ultimately triumphed in thwarting a subsequent amendment in Parliament. Despite the intricate nature of the issue, Glenda exhibited a profound comprehension of the subject matter and fearlessly asserted her position, casting her vote independently.

Glenda Jackson worked behind the scenes; she didn’t attend our photo call then, but neither did she appear to collect either of her well-deserved Oscar awards! However, her steadfast principled activism should not be overshadowed, and her record as a pro-choice supporter will be remembered fondly by those of us at Abortion Rights.

Rest in power Glenda Jackson.