Monday, July 6, 2015

She just turned 11 - and is still pregnant

She just turned 11 -
 and is still pregnant
 
 
Dear Tracy,

You refused to let her stand alone.

She celebrated her 11th birthday pregnant as a result of rape, her life at risk, waiting for her government to allow her access to the abortion she is guaranteed under international human rights law.

Because of your action, we were able to deliver over 66,000 signatures to the Embassy of Paraguay in Washington, DC demanding that she be given access to the abortion that could save her life.

Your raised your voices with over 381,000 people from around the world, and this international outcry was joined by condemnation of Paraguay's inaction from the United Nations and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

Even though Paraguay has thus far refused to comply with its human rights obligations, we will not stop the pressure.

Because you raised your voices and brought such strong international pressure and exposure, you have ensured that Paraguay cannot ignore this case or others like it. High-level Paraguayan officials have expressed their shock to Amnesty International and revealed that the whole country is now talking about this case. You helped make that happen.

Your action helps us keep the pressure on Paraguay as we work to change things for the future with our My Body, My Rights campaign, which aims to protect everyone's sexual and reproductive rights - regardless of where you live.

Just as we fight for the rights of women in girls in Paraguay, we are working to change the oppressive abortion laws in Ireland. Did you know that Ireland bans women from getting abortions even in cases of rape, severe or fatal fetal impairment or a risk to their health? Tell the Prime Minister of Ireland to change the country's irresponsible abortion law.

You have shown that when we stand together, we are too powerful to ignore - act now to build a world where everyone enjoys their rights! From Paraguay to Ireland and beyond, stand with us and demand that women and girls have access to their rights.

In solidarity,
Tarah Demant
Senior Director, Identity and Discrimination Unit
Amnesty International USA

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