March to demand better abortion options to be staged on Friday

A march to demand improved abortion laws and healthcare coverage across the island will be held in Nicosia on Friday.

Against the backdrop of the US supreme court decision to overturn the landmark Roe v Wade ruling that legalised abortion nationwide, social networks of the island will hold a demonstration in Nicosia at 6.30pm on Friday.

In solidarity with the US movement, that saw a series of protests against the abortion ban, people will gather outside the American embassy in Engomi.

From there, protesters will march to the health ministry, to demand free provision of abortions on Gesy and the amendment of an outdated law in the north, to legalise the free provision of abortions on demand.

Free provision of all kinds of birth control was also among the demands.

The action is supported by the Network Against Violence Against Women, Kores Xapolytes, Unchained and Rebellious Women Cy, Queer Collective and Cyprus Independent Feminists.

To date, Gesy only covers abortions for women who can prove the pregnancy causes them mental or physical harm, despite legislation allowing for the termination of pregnancy for all, prior to the completion of the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Abortions are also permitted if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest for up to 19 weeks in the pregnancy, or if a competent doctor proves indication of abnormalities of the foetus which result in pathological problems.

The issue is expected to be discussed during the House human rights committee on Monday.