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Solidarity with Katie

Katie* is facing trial for ending a pregnancy, and is living with the stress and trauma of an ongoing police investigation into her NHS-prescribed abortion. This is all due to an outdated law from 1861 that makes abortion a criminal offence.

Abortion is healthcare, and should be treated as such. This is why Level Up is campaigning for the outdated 1861 law to be removed, and abortion to be decriminalised. Until we achieve that, the most important thing we can do is show solidarity with women who are still being prosecuted under these archaic laws.

It’s crucial that Katie knows the public are on her side – please share a message of support, and we will pass them onto Katie. 

* Katie is not her real name. 

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messages of solidarity

I’m so sorry to hear that you’re being prosecuted – I really don’t think that is at all fair and very much hope that with the right personal and legal support behind you, right will prevail and you will be found innocent. You’ve done nothing wrong and you shouldn’t be punished. I very much hope that the law will be changed and you and other people in your position won’t find yourselves on the receiving end of an outdated law which is totally inappropriate in the modern age. I wish you all the very best. Please look after yourself. Best wishes, Amanda, London

Amanda

Dear Katie, I am so angry and frustrated and sorry that this happened (and is still happening) to you. Abortion is healthcare, responsible abortion-providing dating scans etc- is vital. You were failed by the NHS and the government on your moment of greatest need. I see you, I support you unwaveringly, and while I’m not Christian, I will make a petition to the Old Gods for Justice. Finally- the midwife should be ashamed. Her whole career is supposed to be about supporting and advocating for women, not condemning and judging. I stand shoulder to shoulder with you

Sam B

Hi Katie, Your story has made me so sad. It chills me that you have been treated this way simply for accessing medication. It’s disgusting. I offer you love, support and sisterhood. I have terminated two pregnancies, one surgically and one using pills as prescribed by a doctor. You should have been treated with love, compassion and respect. It is what you deserve in the face of a medical emergency. I am sure you know this but sometimes we need to hear it: it is not your fault. It is infuriating that after an experience like this you now have to face a bogus court case. You should be recovering from this traumatic health incident surrounded by love, not judgement. Sending you love, and solidarity, I will follow your case and hope very much to see compassion and justice throw the bloody thing out of the courts so you can heal. Jo

Katie, I’m so sorry that you’re in this position. You’re not alone, there are thousands of women who could have been in this situation. No one should be punished for seeking health care and you shouldn’t have to deal with the stress and pain of this situation. I don’t know what else to say, my words can’t change what is happening. But you’re not alone, I’m standing beside you, and there’s a whole army here too. You’re strong, you’re brave, and you’re worthy of all of the support.

So sorry to hear about this, Katie. It is further evidence of the fact that Britain is not a gender equal country at all, and that unwanted pregnancy is still being used to judge and punish women under archaic and patriarchal ideas of “morality”. As if the decision to end a pregnancy is one lightly made. And – the elephant in the room – as if women just become pregnant on our own!! Keep battling – we will win this. Sorry again that in the meantime you are being subjected to such injustice. Jennifer X

Jennifer Akdemir

I am so very sorry that you are being put through this horrendous treatment. Abortion is healthcare and you shouldn’t be facing a trial, nor should you have had to face questioning and intimidation by the police. I want you to know that I and many others are standing with you in solidarity. Abortion is not something that should concern anyone but the patient and their doctors. Women should have the right to make the choice to end their pregnancy without fear. Sending love and support to you. Xxx

Dear *Katie, the world is unfair, but you are not alone. We will be with you and not let them take your right to choose. I’ve been through abortion and even though I’ve made my decision before becoming pregnant I was made to feel bad about it by people who don’t know me or my circumstances. I don’t regret doing it I just regret that I didn’t tell the people who I dealt with what I think about their opinion. Your body, your choice. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You got this! We will fight for you! Big hugs xxx Sabine

Dear Katie, I’m so sorry to learn about what you experienced and am furious on your behalf that something so unfathomable could happen to you. I spent a night in hospital due to a gynaecological procedure and felt suicidal, so can only imagine how you must have felt. You should have been safe and protected, not punished. I know words from strangers can’t undo the harm done to you, but I hope it brings you some comfort to know that people like me are on your side, sending love and compassion. I will continue to support Level Up’s campaign to decriminalise abortion and hope the legal system sees sense over your treatment (the moral crime is entirely theirs).