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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab), 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 (opens in new tab), told the newspaper. "It's a violation of women's rights. We have to make every effort to make sure they get that access."
-
‘Harry & Meghan’ Director Liz Garbus Says Buckingham Palace Tried to “Discredit” the DocuseriesDespite the Palace’s claims otherwise, Garbus says the show did reach out to them for comment.
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Would Have Been the “First to Hear” of Princess Eugenie’s Pregnancy, Expert Says
Eugenie is arguably the member of the royal family the Sussexes remain closest to.
-
Where Has Meghan Markle Been Lately?
Largely unseen during the ‘Spare’ mayhem, she is apparently “happy to let Harry take center stage.”
-
35 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, show them these statistics.
-
Post-Roe, Pregnant People Will Become Suspects
“We anticipate a very dramatic increase in the rate of criminalization of all pregnancy outcomes.”
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.
Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
-
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.
