Anticipated arrival of ‘abortion’ ship

Moroccan movement MALI, or the Alternative Movement for Individual Freedoms has invited the Dutch organisation, “Women on the Waves,” to come in order to Morocco with the "abortion" ship, which is equipped with all the medical requirements to carry out safe, free abortions. Although abortion is illegal in Morocco, it’s estimated that between 600 and 800 are still carried out every day. However, unsafe methods, which are often used, result in the deaths of hundreds of women each year. The initiative aims to break through the taboo surrounding the subject in the country. While the abortions will be legal as the ship will travel to international water first and, thus, be under the jurisdiction of Dutch law, a petition calling for the legalisation of the operation in Morocco has also been organised. Ibtissame Lachgar, a member MALI, spoke to Arabstoday, clarifying that abortions will be carried out by the movement at the request of Moroccan women wishing to benefit and a telephone number will be provided should people wish to inquire about the details. The activist asserted that they don’t fear the reaction of the Government, which is led by the Islamist Justice and Development Party. However, she refused to reveal the exact date of the ship’s arrival, or into which port it would arrive. However, she added that accurate details will be announced at a press conference next Wednesday. Meanwhile, an informed source told Arabstoday that the Moroccan security agencies have mobilised their forces in a bid to contain any repercussions from this unprecedented incident. They claimed that the provocative initiative was merely an attempt to distract attention from the reforms currently taking place in Morocco.