Drones have been used for war, for photography, and even for Amazon deliveries. But now, drones are entering the fight for reproductive rights.
Time reports that women's rights groups are set to use drones to deliver abortion pills from Germany to Poland, where women are prohibited from ending a pregnancy unless there's proof of rape or incest, or the mother or fetus's life is endangered in some way. Even then, it's still very tough to get an abortion.
The activists don't need permission from either country's government because the drone weighs less than 5 kg (11 lbs), isn't used for commercial purposes, and isn't flying in controlled airspace. And the women won't get in trouble either, because under Polish law they can't be prosecuted for illegal abortions.
The drugs—mifepristone, and misoprostol—are approved by the World Health Organization, which found that women can take them at home without doctor supervision. The first drone will carry packages to Slubice, a town on the Germany-Poland border, on June 27.
An estimated 50,00 underground abortions occur in Poland every year, the Telegraph reports, and many Polish women fly to countries like the U.K. for procedures. "We can't stop pointing out the lack of safe access to abortion and medical abortion pills," Rebecca Gomperts, head of the Dutch group Women on Waves, told the newspaper. "It's a violation of women's rights. We have to make every effort to make sure they get that access."
-
When Are We Getting Season 2 of 'Yellowjackets'?We have so many questions!
-
The 'Yellowjackets' Finale, Explained
The last episode of season one was a feast (pun intended) of gore and shocking reveals.
-
Prince Charles Ignored a Reporter Who Asked About Prince Andrew
The encounter occurred days after Andrew was stripped of his HRH and military titles.
-
The Supreme Court Is Hearing Arguments in a Case That Could Overturn 'Roe v. Wade'
'Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization' is the most consequential abortion rights case in decades.
-
EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler Has Big Plans for the Organization
Under Butler's leadership, the largest resource for women in politics aims to expand Black political power and become more accessible for candidates across the nation.
-
Want to Fight for Abortion Rights in Texas? Raise Your Voice to State Legislators
Emily Cain, executive director of EMILY's List and and former Minority Leader in Maine, says that to stop the assault on reproductive rights, we need to start demanding more from our state legislatures.
-
Your Abortion Questions, Answered
Here, MC debunks common abortion myths you may be increasingly hearing since Texas' near-total abortion ban went into effect.
-
Trump Vows to Appoint Pro-Life Judge to Supreme Court
In a new interview with 60 Minutes, the President Elect confirms his stance on Roe v. Wade.
-
The Future of Afghan Women and Girls Depends on What We Do Next
Between the U.S. occupation and the Taliban, supporting resettlement for Afghan women and vulnerable individuals is long overdue.
-
How to Help Afghanistan Refugees and Those Who Need Aid
With the situation rapidly evolving, organizations are desperate for help.
-
It’s Time to Give Domestic Workers the Protections They Deserve
The National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, reintroduced today, would establish a new set of standards for the people who work in our homes and take a vital step towards racial and gender equity.
