obtain abortions.
The law in Belgium is a vicious one. Anyone who performs abortions, gives information to women or aids them in any way in obtaining aull abortion can receive up to five years imprisonment.
About 40,000 Belgian women a year obtain abortions. these calculated that a possible 20,000 are either back street abortions or are extremely costly operations performed by exploitative Joctors.
But some reactionary •orces in the establishment have suddenly decided hat the implementation of _oe LOO public prosecutor ancounced his put on trial about 30 or more doctors. counsellors and even people who have merely spoken in public in favour of abortion.
These trials, which regan on Wednesday of ast week will of course create a precendent in the interpretation of the law.
Such a vicious reaction the part of the establishment to the simșle need for women to exSqgialist, Challengei, no Seatomber 1981 Pratilte ercise control over their own bodies and exercise choice in their lives, may for the ca a bic church which hasn't made up its mind yet where it stands on the trials.
The attack has met from the pro-choice movetrial in Brussels was picketed by about 1,000 women, trade umonists and Socialist Party members demanding an end to the trials taken completely out of the realm of the law and treated like any other This picket successfully frightened away a small group of fascists who had come along to support the prosecution.
Catholicism very strong in Belgium and half the workforce is organised LEC The which is supe sup ported by the socialist trade unions is careful to point out that it is not imposing abortions on other peopie — ills menicy sayDemonstration outside the Brussels court impose itself on the thousands of women who need and want abortions and are forced to the back streets.
The issue is provoking a crisis for the government.
Democrats support the demands of the pro-choice to be hamstrung by their to be hamstrung their coalition WITN Chris. tian Democrats. Unfortunate v for them the Issue has been brought to a head and women will now conkeep the pressure for an answer to their demands and for the defeat of the reactionary initiative.
prominen in stasses invest written to the public prosecutor asking to be prOsecuted himself because he and Dractices they Coulse frightened to touch him Your Bank Name of Account to be debited Account Number.....
Our Bank.........Socialist Challenge.
Account No............0179678...
Sorting Code........... 30-94-57 Amount to be paid.....
First Payment due..
Signed..
because he well respected.
The pro-choice movement planning big demonstration in early Oclover wilich is backea by the trade unions Socialist Party its ven important that the workers movement show that understands it is an issue SOCIALIST CHALLENGE BANKER'S ORDER FORM ...Loyd's Bank, 19 Upper St. London N!
..Monthly ...And on the same date in the month thereafter. for all of us and if we defeat this offensive it will be a big victory for women in Belgium and everywhere else women are under allack Please send messages and of support 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
----- pull-quotes -----
A SERIES of trials have begun in Belgium against anyone who attempts to help women
medical professor