The criminalization of abortion is a violation of human civil rights. In Poland, catholic, conservative, and far-right politicians have introduced one of the most restrictive regulations in Europe. For a long time, support structures are installed by grassroots activist groups. Transnational activist networks provide information, access, and care for abortions in neighboring countries. In this chapter we argue that such activist networks perform genuine, yet unpaid social work: it intervenes in cases of injustice, contributes to social transformation processes, and acts according to professional guidelines, for example, of the WHO. The activists’ work complements other forms of activism for reproductive rights, be it in the streets, the Parliament, or the courtroom. In looking at the situation in neighboring Germany, we conclude that counseling work there needs to be freed from taboos and become more receptive to a transnational clientele. We identify certain lacunae in German social work. It should fight stigmatization and provide services easily accessible also to non-German speakers or non-German citizens with a focus on people living in Poland.

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Transnational Activism for Reproductive Rights: Activists Ensure Safe Abortions—The Example of Poland

  • Gesine Fuchs,
  • Julia Schweizer

摘要

The criminalization of abortion is a violation of human civil rights. In Poland, catholic, conservative, and far-right politicians have introduced one of the most restrictive regulations in Europe. For a long time, support structures are installed by grassroots activist groups. Transnational activist networks provide information, access, and care for abortions in neighboring countries. In this chapter we argue that such activist networks perform genuine, yet unpaid social work: it intervenes in cases of injustice, contributes to social transformation processes, and acts according to professional guidelines, for example, of the WHO. The activists’ work complements other forms of activism for reproductive rights, be it in the streets, the Parliament, or the courtroom. In looking at the situation in neighboring Germany, we conclude that counseling work there needs to be freed from taboos and become more receptive to a transnational clientele. We identify certain lacunae in German social work. It should fight stigmatization and provide services easily accessible also to non-German speakers or non-German citizens with a focus on people living in Poland.