Catalogue Number
NMLH.1994.168.365
Object Name
Poster
Title
Communist Party Poster Abortion - A woman's right to choose.
Date
1974
Description
In black tex at the top it says "Communist Party poster." The centre of the poster has black text saying "Abortion - A Woman's right to choose." At the bottom it says "Extend N.H.S Abortion & Contraception facilities." Red and black image printed on white paper. Has two silhouettes of two women in dresses, with children, and a baby in a buggy.
. Published by the Communist Party 16 King Street, London WC2E 8HY and printed by Farleigh Press Ltd. (T.U)
Abortion was legalised through the Abortion Act1967, legalising abortions on certain grounds by practitioners and regulating these medical practices through the NHS. The act was not extended to Northern Ireland - the poster could be suggesting that abortion and contraception facilities should be extended to Northern Ireland, as well as its call for more access across the country.
This poster is pro-choice which advocates for the right to choose whether to terminate a pregnancy, and advocates for legal access to induced abortion services.This is opposed to the "pro-life movement" which opposes abortion, usually on moral and religious grounds. This poster was produced around 1975, calling for an extension for both abortion and contraception facilities. The 1974 reorganisation of the NHS incorporated family planning services into the NHS, and all contraceptive advice and supplies were provided by the NHS. By 1980 there were campaigns against contraceptive advice for all girls under sixteen. This was spearheaded by Victoria Gillick, who believed there should be parental consent for a minor to speak to a doctor about contraception or abortion.
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