Story: Women’s movement

Abortion activism, 1978

Abortion activism, 1978

Members of the Women’s Electoral Lobby (WEL) protest in Nelson in 1978, wearing chains to symbolise the restriction suffered by women unable to access abortion. Their placards indicate support for the Sisters Overseas Service, which helped New Zealand women travel to Australia for abortions. On the placard to the right is a version of the chant used on mass marches: ‘Not the church and not the state, women must decide our fate.' Support for women’s right to choose abortion came from many groups in the women’s movement. Some were formed to fight for that cause, while others, like WEL, had broader aims.

Using this item

Nelson Provincial Museum, Nelson Daily Mail Collection
Reference: 4132 FR7

Permission must be sought from Nelson Provincial Museum before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Megan Cook, 'Women’s movement - Health, fertility and education', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/27919/abortion-activism-1978 (accessed 28 March 2024)

Story by Megan Cook, published 5 May 2011