Women on Waves

Women on Waves, a Dutch non-profit organization was founded in 1999.  On the invitation of local women’s groups, Women on Waves sails with a Dutch ship to countries where abortion is illegal. Outside the territorial waters, the abortion pill can be provided safely and legally to women with unwanted pregnancies. While in harbor, the ship also hosts several programs, such as contraceptive distribution, counseling, education and workshops for different professionals organizations. The ships campaign in Ireland (2001), Poland (2003), Portugal (2004), Spain (2008), and Morocco (2012) created enormous public interest. The campaign in Portugal catalyzed the legalization of abortion in February 2007.

In recent years Women on Waves initiated safe abortion hotlines in Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Pakistan, Indonesia, Kenya, Morocco, Poland, Thailand and trained grassroots women’s organizations in several African countries. Additionally, we develop art projects, engage in legal actions, give sexual education and medical knowledge workshops.. In 2006,  we initiated Women on Web, a telemedical service was set up to support women around the world access safe medical abortions.