“The right to abortion demands decisive action.” – Anton Van Dyck

In 'The Plea', Anton Van Dyck, founder of Compagnon , calls for an urgent amendment to the abortion law:

The new abortion law? It's long overdue.

Two legislatures ago, even.

Why is she important?

Because one in five women will need an abortion at some point.

Because today is too strict, too short, too complicated.

Because those who choose to terminate a pregnancy are still too often stigmatized.

The problems are clear.

There is social support for this.

The majority too.

The political proponents? They are loud and numerous in their support.

But then comes the moment when it has to happen.

And then it becomes quiet.

Silence at party offices, where the issue is pushed aside by the madness of the day.

Silence in the media, where facts are distorted and women are dismissed as frivolous.

Silence at the negotiating tables, where silence agreements are bought with ministerial posts.

And meanwhile time ticks on.

For women who need help now.

For those who have to make choices now.

Good policy cannot be implemented with embargoes and gag agreements.

You don't put the health needs of so many women in the freezer.

We have been trying to convince doubters for years.

But what about the champions?

How convinced are they?

And how much more patience can they ask of us?

The moment is too fragile to wait.

The right to abortion demands decisive action.

Now .

Anton Van Dyck is the founder of Compagnon , an organization that helps women in the Netherlands access abortion care after 12 weeks.

Find out more (only in Dutch)