One of the themes that came up during our tweetathon was religious conservatism and the abortion stigma it engenders. Several tweeters were worried that religious fundamentalists and conservative politicians were forcing countries to take a step back, and curtail rights that had already been granted to women. Recently an editorial in the New York Times analyses what the repercussions of a Romney-Ryan leadership in the U.S. would mean for that country, and for the world. It shows that it is time we began to give religious dictates a thought. So, I thought it might be interesting to republish this blog, I wrote before the campaign. What ever your religion might dictate, you lose nothing by looking at the issue from another perspective! 

In recent times a politicized movement against abortions has been sweeping around the globe. With support from religious leaders and wealthy, conservative politicians, this movement seeks to control women’s fertility, and threatens their rights to sexual and reproductive freedom and health. As is well known, this movement positions abortion as a threat to families, and pretends to offer support to children, by promoting the birth of unwanted children without offering any further support for them to lead healthy good quality lives).

Unfortunately, this movement has gained a lot of support. As we edge closer to September 28, the International Day for De-criminalization of Abortion. we must note that this movement has been successfully erecting barriers to safe abortions in both the developing and the economically advanced parts of the world. In several countries, previous liberal abortion laws – like in Turkey or India – are being questioned. And in other countries there is severe opposition to the liberalization of these laws, or the decriminalization of abortion. Read, Pakistan or Iran.

The success of this anti-choice movement can be attributed to large funds, which we know is a powerful tool, and to religious dogma, which is at the heart of anti-choice movement and very difficult to argue against.

But as people get swept into the movement, it is important to question them about the implications of their choice. Do they realize that this battle will finally affect people they know, and even loved ones?

Ipas’ Video Think About It asks this very question.

The stunned silence speaks louder than words do. As the International Day for the Decriminalization of Abortion comes closer, it’s time to appeal to people to think about the consequences of their conservative religious or political beliefs. Even if they may believe they benefit from it, it is very important to point out how it affects the quality of life of millions of women globally.

If you already believe in a woman’s right to choose if and when she wants to bring a child into the world, then do share this video, and sign the International Campaign for Women’s Right to Safe Abortion!!