WOMEN ON WAVES CAUSE DANGEROUS WAVES OVER ABORTION IN MOROCCO

October 5, 2012

Abortion is a delicate subject, because on the one hand one must consider the rights of the pregnant woman, while on the other, one must take into account the rights of the embryo or foetus. The former rights are particularly significant when there are physical, mental or social issues involved. The latter are always important, because whether we like it or not, we are assigning a value to the unborn child in relation to the needs or convenience of the woman. This being the case, a militant approach helps no one and only jeopardises any possibility of dialogue.

This week's attempt by "Women on Waves" to dock their pro-abortion boat in the port of Smir in Morocco in order to draw attention to the issue is at best clumsy; for many Moroccans it was a provocation. A few hundred took to the streets to demonstrate against the "abortion ship". The Dutch boat has done similar feats in catholic countries like Portugal and Ireland. Its stunts are not promoting its cause, nor helping its country. How would the Dutch feel if the Saudi's, say, decided to send a "death penalty" boat to their country. That too is a delicate subject.

Besides, there is enough controversy about abortion in Europe already and the organisation should focus on the real issues there, before venturing into dangerous waters. Perhaps it could start by improving its communication skills and the standard of English on its website.