Lobby Parliament, St. Stephen's Gate 1.30p.m. Supported by the National Coalition of Anti-Deportation Campaigns Lobby Parliament in support of the Liverpool Dockers. from 2pm onwards Thursday 6 London Socialist Outlook public meeting, 80th Anniversary of the Russian revolution, What does Socialism offer women?'. 8p.m. Conway Hall, Red Lion Square (Holborn tube) Saturday 8 National Assembly Against Racism conference, 9.30-5.30, Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, London WC1 Oxford demonstration against cuts in public services. Assemble 10.30am, Radcliffe Infirmary Sunday 9 Student Assembly Against Racism, 10a.m.-5p.m., University of London Union, Malet St., London WC1 luesday 1] Save Lone Parent Benefit public meetins 7.30p.m. House of Commons committee room I0. Speakers include MPs and trade unionists Friday 14 Sunday 16 International Seminar 'October 1917: Causes, Impact, Long-term developments'. Organised by the French association Esnaces Marx. toaether with the International Institute for Research and Education/Ernest Mandel Study Center Amsterdam at the University of Paris VIlI (St-Denis). For more information contact Espaces Marx Saturday 15 Trade Unions under New Labour. Conference organised by Trade Union Lefts Alliance. I la.m.-4p.m., University of London Union, Malet St., London WCI Sunday 16 100 Years of Jewish Socialism, A Day to Relate, Debate and Celebrate. Oraanised by the Jewish Workers' Bund Centenary Committee. 1p.m.-6.30 London Voluntary Services Resource Centre, 356 Holloway Rd., London N7. Thursday 20 Demonstrate for jobs and Welfare in Luxembourg, called by the French CGT nd supported by the Euro ean TÜC Secretariat. Fur ther details and bookings contact Glen Voris, St. Helens TUC Resource Centre, 01744 755 889. Saturday 29 Open Meeting called by the network of Socialist Alliances for England. 10.30a.m., The Crossing, Darwell St., Walsall. Saturday 29 'Can Tory Spending limits deliver social justice?'. Campaign to Defend the Welfare State National Conference. 12.30-4.30 TUC, Great Russell St., London WCI. Campaign for a Fighting Democratic UNISON National Conference. 10a.m.-4p.m., South Camden Community School, Charrington Street, London NW1 (10mins Euston and Kings Cross) Network of Socialist Campaign Groups AGM, Leeds Open Meeting for Supporters of the Euromarch, Birmingham. For further details contact Glen Voris. St. Helens TUC Resource Centre, 01744 755 889. 'Education Beyond 16', a one day education conference organised by NATFHE General Education Section. 11.004.00, Camden Town Hall, London (Near Kings Cross and Euston). Monday 8 or Tuesday 9 Lobby of TGWU Executive called by Liverpool dockers. Transport House, 16 Palace St, London SW1.
The book fails to indicate what wage levels for working women then were like, but £60 is probably rather more in real terms than the cost of most private abortions now. Illegality made abortion both expensive and dangerous.
The book also recounts experiences of abortion after the Act, varying from distressing and frustrating delays and humiliating treatment to straightforward procedures in which women's ability and right to choose was respected.
My main quibble with the book overall was with the slightly puzzling choice of "significant dates" that accompany the women's stories. Some are chosen for their significance in relation to women's reproductive rights, or as "the first woman to..." achievements, but the connection between abortion rights and Churchill's death, the Queen's Silver Jubilee e or even a recent "tragic car crash" (yes, that one) is hard to see.
But this is a minor point. As a whole, these recollections of experience add up to a compelling argument for a woman's right to choose. Alice says, "I don't think anyone should have to go through what I went through. Abortion should be every woman's right". Order a copy for £3.30 (inc P&P) by sending a cheque to NAC, The Print House, 18 Ashwin Street, London E8 3DL.
Socialist Qutlook LETTERS IS
DECEMBER Saturday 6