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The abortion law in Thailand has been expanded
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In February the revised abortion law in Thailand came into effect. Abortion is now available on request up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, and after 12 weeks under a number of conditions.
SAAF grantee partner Tamtang Group has been a key part of the advocacy movement pushing for this change, and is continuing to fight for full decriminalisation and implementation of the new legal framework. They have recently launched a podcast to share information and real stories from people who have had abortions in Thailand.
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Malawi abortion bill delayed once again
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In February it looked like the long awaited Termination of Pregnancy Bill would finally be discussed by the Parliament in Malawi, where unsafe abortion leads to the loss of many women's lives.
SAAF grantee partner CSJ News has been campaigning tirelessly to encourage MPs across the country to take a stand, and support the bill. Unfortunately, the discussion was yet again postponed, and reproductive rights groups in the country continue to share the necessity of changing this harmful law.
"Despite the stiff opposition, including being labelled sinners, murderers and agents of darkness, we are focused on our vision of creating a Malawi nation where no one should die from unsafe abortion."
Brian Ligomeka, Director of CSJ News
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Current funding opportunities
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SAAF has been able to secure extended funding for a number of current grantee partners and is working hard to secure additional funding to support new organisations. In the meantime, we recognise that many NGOs and community groups are in need of financial support, and may be feeling the effects of the pandemic on their work. We are therefore sharing some funding opportunities which may be relevant.
For regular updates on funding we recommend following SAAF on Twitter.Â
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Grantee partner spotlight - Women's Legal Centre
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The Women’s Legal Centre (WLC) in South Africa has been funded by SAAF since January last year. As an African feminist legal centre, they are particularly focused on advancing womxn’s* rights and equality through strategic litigation, advocacy, and education and training. They defend and protect the rights of vulnerable and marginalised womxn, in particular Black womxn, and promote their access to justice and equitable resources.Â
When it comes to abortion in South Africa, although the law is good on paper, many people still face barriers to safe, legal services. WLC use their legal expertise to defend the universal right to reproductive health care in pushing for better provision of quality services and increased information on abortion rights.
Currently, WLC is pursuing a case brought by an anti-abortion organisation which attempts to obstruct access to care – you can read more in Mandi Mudarikwa's blogpost for Girls Globe here.
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*WLC uses the term “womxn” as the term is inclusive of all persons who identify themselves as womxn. It further serves as a feminist reminder of the rejection of patriarchal values attached to the gender binary.
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SAAF is hosted by IPPF. If you wish to report anything which concerns you about our work, or the work of our grantee partners (such as abuse, fraud, malpractice) please consider using the confidential external incident reporting service IPPF SafeReport.
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