Workers Solidarity Movement

Last night we were at the launch of ‘We’ve come a long way; Reproductive rights of migrants and ethnic minorities in Ireland.’ The books a collection of 16+ pieces by authors from migrant or ethnic minority backgrounds living in Ireland written in the context of the successful decades long struggle to Repeal the 8th Amendment.

The book produced by MERJ aims to “expand the conversation around reproductive justice and show why the legislation of abortion is only the first step in gaining bodily autonomy.

As Migrants and Ethnic-minorities for Reproductive Justice - MERJ said ahead of the launch "On May 25th Ireland voted for the legalisation of abortion by a landslide. This was the result of years of fighting, organising and protesting from grassroot groups and activists. This book took form in the lead-up to the referendum, but despite the victory, the wider battle for reproductive justice continues. This book includes testimonials, interviews and research written by migrant women and ethnic minorities who were an integral part of the referendum campaign.
From the Traveller community in Ireland to migrant women from Brazil, our contributors share their experiences on matters like abortion access, maternity services, sexism and discrimination. Through their experiences we want to expand the conversation around reproductive justice and show why the legalisation of abortion is only the first step in gaining bodily autonomy.

In a post-referendum world where people might think the fight is over, this book argues that the hard-earned access to abortion is part of a wider battle for bodily autonomy and goes hand in hand with accessible contraception, sex education, better maternity services, housing rights and parenthood support."