as does the Church. Europe Because of the case Reynolds is now confronted with difficul ties in relation to Maastricht. Although Ireland was granted a derogation (a let-out clause) from the treaty around the issue of abortion, there is now a real fear that the backlash from the present case could mean problems in ratification. This is exerting major pressure on the government to get the amendment repealed. It is vital that feminists and activists throughout Europe and internationally organise protests in support of their irish IT IS THE POSITION OF THIS COURT. ONCE BORN, HOWEVER, THE CHILD MAY EDUCATION, NUTRITION, DEPRIVED OF EQUAL OPPORTILTY, AND IF SHE REALLY MESSES UP, MAY BE RAPED. GET PREGNANT, BE REFUSED AT OVER THREE hundred people turned out to picket the Irish embassy in London within days of the tragic story hitting the tabloid headlines.
The picket was called by Women Against Fundamentalism, and supported by various women's organisations - National Campaign (NAC), Irish women's groups, Women for Socialism, student women's groups - as well as individual women and men and small numbers from the left.
The extremely good turnout showed that, even in these seemingly passive days, pos for mobilisation around women's demands really do exist.
There has been widespread condemnation of the Irish Supreme Court decision. Wherever anti-abortionists have attempted to 'justify this nightmare they have been roundly and soundly condemned. Support passers-by on the picket trongly indicated this genera Time is not on our side though. The young Irish woman in queston 5! " desperate situation, and the clock ticks on.
Solidarity action is both urgent and vital if the Irish pro-choice movement stands any chance of emerging from the turmoil of this ragedy able to make the gains for Irish women that are so clearly needed.
As NAC have said, 'make no mistake, anti-abortion organisations have made it cleari hat they want Ireland's law everywhere. They do not believe that rape or incest is a reasonable ground for abortion.
What has happened in Ireland is a natural and forsee able consequence of their draconian law!
A further victory for anti-abortionists in Ireland would fuel the bigots here. It will also be used to strengthen anti-Irish racism in the British state, and pour petrol on the fires of reaction in the Six Counties.
Women's organisations, trade union and labour move ment bodies must show their support now for their sisters in Ireland, and link up with NAC and other fighters for women's For campaigning details/ mes sages and financial support contact NAC, 4 Wild Court, London, WC2B 5AU. Tel: 071-405-4801.
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