[Oct. 29 pro-choice picketline defends abortion clinic in…]

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Oct. 29 pro-choice picketline defends abortion clinic in Chicago, III.

In addition, so-called "father's rights" advocates have sought to reverse the victory won in 1973 by claiming the father has an equal right to decide on abortion. Anti-choice groups have also begun campaigning against the use of a pill, not yet cleared for use in this country, which induces abortions.

On election day, referendums ending Medicaid funding of abortions were passed in Michigan, Arkansas, and Colorado. This brings to 37 the number of states that deny poor women the right to choose.

To make the current danger to women's lives graphically clear, two days after the national elections, the Justice Department submitted a "friend-of-the-court" brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the appeal of a Missouri case which asks the court to reverse the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

Militant response needed

The immediate response by the pro-choice groups to the activities of Operation Rescue has been designed to counter the direct threats posed at the abortion clinics. But a more far-reaching and consistent remobilization for women's rights is needed.

Along with clinic defense efforts, the type of broad, independent mobilizations which occurred in Washington, D.C., and Los shift to the right on the part of the U.S. population. This incorrect perception made those who support freedom of choice feel isolated and powerless.

Pro-choice campaigns

The recent ruling-class attacks on abortion rights have begun to change this situation, however. As Molly Yard, president of NOW, stated at a Nov. 15 press conference: "We have been much too polite. The nice days are over. Women are outraged by what's happening, and they will be with us in the streets. ... We are going to turn up the heat everywhere."

Responding to the government's postelection filing of the "friend of the court" brief, Yard pointed out: "They (Reagan and Bush) couldn't have done anything more startling or dramatic to galvanize the women of America. We will not tolerate the overturning of Roe v. Wade."

Joining Yard at the press conference was former NOW president, Eleanor Smeal, who stated: "There is going to be far more direct action. The sentiment is not just to sit there and let a small group terrorize clinics and health-care officials. The majority has been far too quiet."

In a mailing to NOW's 160,000 members, Yard stressed the necessity "to mobilize a massive public outcry against any move to outlaw and criminalize abortion." The letter announced the launching of a 120-day Campaign to Save Roe, stating that abortionrights supporters must let all branches of the government know in no uncertain terms that "there aren't enough jails in America to hold the women who will defy this fundamental assault of individual liberty if Roe is reversed."

NOW's 120-day campaign of action will culminate in an April 9 National March for Women's Equality, Women's Lives. The April 9 march is directed at the government, which emboldens forces like Operation Rescue. It is precisely what is needed to put advocates of women's rights on the offensive again.

The march has the potential to be a huge outpouring of all supporters of women's rights—primarily a woman's right to control her body. All Out for April 9!

LO ROUCHE

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Calif. AIDS initiatives: Beacock/Socialist Action Tina