I recently posted about a complete ban on abortion passed in the Dominican Republic. Many readers wanted to know what they could to do help the women there who are organizing there against this measure.
From Akimbo, here’s a start:
In addition to voicing opposition to Article 30, women’s rights organizations are asking that during the second reading, when, according to the regulations governing the assembly, Article 30 must be discussed and is once again subject to approval, Congress modify its language or maintain the current language of the Constitution.
In light of this serious situation, Colectiva is requesting support and a show of solidarity on May 6. Please write to the Dominican Republic embassy in your country and let them know that women’s health and rights will be compromised if the language of Article 30 is approved as it is now written.
May 6 is today! So, write write write! A sample letter, also from Akimbo, is below:
Dear Mr. President of the Dominican Republic, Dr. Leonel Fernández Reyna; Mr. President of the Parliamentary Assembly for Constitutional Review, Senator Reynaldo Pared Pérez; Mr. Vice-President of the Parliamentary Assembly for Constitutional Review, Deputy Julio César Valentín:
On April 21, 2009, Article 30, which amends the current Constitution of the Dominican Republic by establishing the right to life “from conception to death,” was approved under pressure and threats from the Catholic hierarchy and right-wing extremists.
This article will severely and negatively impact public policies, medical practice, scientific development and women’s lives, especially poor women. It also violates international agreements signed and ratified by the Dominican Republic, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the American Convention on Human Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
Article 30 limits women’s autonomy, and denies them their human rights. In light of the significant step backwards that the approval of Article 30 would represent for the human rights of Dominican women, I ask that during the second reading, when Article 30 must be discussed and is once again subject to approval, you reject the proposed language and maintain the current language of the Constitution.
Sincerely,
[NAME]
Frau Sally Benz from Jump Off the Bridge has also done us the favor of finding some of the contact information:
United States: embassy@us.serex.gov.do
UK and Australia: embassy@dominicanembassy.org.uk
Canada: email larias@drembassy.org and copy ygutierrez@drembassy.org
For those of you in other countries, googling “Dominican Republic embassy [your country]” should find you the relevant contact information.
As I wrote before, women’s lives are at stake. So please, act and spread the word.