We stand on the shoulders of giants
Their faces are obscured by paper bags; holes cut out for their eyes, mouths and noses. They are assembled behind a banner with the words “36 Faceless Women”, a play on the phrase coined by Alan Reid, 36 Faceless Men, generally used to describe shadowy, unelected people who hold undue political influence.
These women, however, are anything but shadowy. They are 36 women from the Australian Labor Party taking part in the Sydney women’s rights rally of March 1979. They hide their faces so as to avoid being expelled from their party for taking part in what ALP officials deem a ‘pro-abortion rally’.
Fast forward 12 years and we are outside the NSW Parliament House. Thirteen women, all elected Members of the State Parliament have staged a walkout during debate on two exceptionally divisive draft Bills; the Unborn Child Protection Bill 1991 and the Procurement of Miscarriage Limitation Bill 1991. Both bills introduced by the Reverend Fred Nile.
Led by Liberal Beryl Evans, these politicians are from across the political spectrum, united in their opposition to Fred Niles sustained attacks on abortion.
Here we are now, 28 years after that walk-out and 40 years after the 36 faceless women took part in that march; the fact that it is still considered a crime in NSW could have you thinking that we have failed when it comes to abortion reform.
Yesterday, however, the Australian Federal Labor Party announced that it will implement national abortion reforms if it wins this year’s election. The reforms proposed include public access to abortion care throughout Australia, better support for General Practitioners to prescribe medical terminations, and better access to information about termination services for women who need an abortion service.
This national approach to abortion has been the missing piece of the reform puzzle, the sorely needed catalyst to push for wide-spread change that will finally mean the efforts of the 36 faceless women, the 13 members of Parliament and the many, many other female politicians, activists and advocates and healthcare providers are realised.
Abortion reform in this country, like most other countries, is the product of a long history of advocacy and activism. It has involved the constant shining of a light on the pain and suffering of what it means to not have access to safe, legal abortion care. And it has involved many women telling their stories in order to affect change.
Contrary to what some people may say, abortion reform is not a divisive issue.
It has united women from across the community, across the political spectrum, from all ages, walks of life, cultures and religions.
For those of us involved in abortion reform today, we stand on the shoulders of giants.
To those 36 faceless women, the 13 Members of the NSW Parliament, the thousands of women who have told their stories and the many women who have advocated for change under the most trying of circumstances, thank you for making sure that future generations of women can access abortion care.
Jacquie O’Brien is Director of Public Affairs for Marie Stopes Australia
