CALM and HANDSMAIDS IOM

Who are CALM and Handmaids IOM?

The women behind the Campaign for Abortion Law Modernisation (CALM) and Handmaids IOM, a pro-choice abortion rights group, were key driving forces behind the recent abortion reform on the Isle of Man.

CALM - The beginning

Under the Isle of Man's 'Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1995' which dictated the grounds of abortion on the Island until 2019, an abortion could only be performed under strict criteria and any abortion out with this remained a criminal offence (punishable by up to 2 years in prison). These restrictions not only discriminated against and marginalised many Manx women, but it left them with no other choice but to seek abortion through other means.

It was estimated that around 100 women from the Isle of Man travelled to the UK for an abortion each year, although the number was thought to be much higher. Research into the negative effects on Irish women who were in a similar position and had to travel overseas for an abortion, concluded that women did not receive good enough pre and post abortion care. Just like Manx women, they were left scared and alone as they made this journey whilst physically and emotionally vulnerable.

This was set to change after Mara Clark, the founder of the Abortion Support Network, was invited to the Island in 2015 to speak about her work and charity. It was at this event that like minded women met one another and decided to form CALM.

CALM and their abortion reform campaign garnered the support of Dr Allinson, an MHK candidate at the time. Upon election to the House of Keys in 2016, he introduced a Private Members Bill to reform the outdated abortion laws on the Island, and abortion reform became one of the most pressing political issues on the island.

As the Abortion Reform Bill was drafted by MHK Dr Allinson and CALM, Handmaids IOM brought the campaign to the public.

Handmaids IOM

Handmaids IOM made their first appearance on Tynwald Day (Manx National Day) in 2017. They wore red cloaks and veils to symbolise the fictional subjugated women from Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale and silently demonstrated the island's restrictive abortion laws. Their protest was bold and powerful, and placed the campaign for abortion reform in the minds of the public. Their first appearance will be remembered as one of the most iconic moments in Manx political history.

Within a week, the 'Handmaids IOM' Facebook page had more than 1,300 likes and they continued to use social media to bring attention and support to their campaign.

To mark the first reading of the Abortion Reform Bill, they launched a social media campaign under the hashtags #Red4ChoiceIOM and #IStandWithHandmaidsIOM, and encouraged people to wear something red in support and solidarity of abortion reform. Their successful and unifying use of social media continued when Ireland held their own referendum on abortion laws. Handmaids IOM 'turned green' in solidarity with the women of Ireland.

Law-changing women

Although CALM, Handmaids IOM and those who supported abortion reform faced a number of counter protests from English anti-choice group Abort67 (who had increased their presence on the Isle of Man during the campaign), they never wavered in their aim to make abortion legal, safe and accessible on the Isle of Man.

In January of 2019, after a number of readings, objections and progressive amendments which included the use of gender neutral language and buffer zones surrounding any premises where abortion services take place, the Isle of Man Abortion Reform Bill received Royal Assent and was enacted into law. Local services were provided from the end of May 2019.

Under the new law, which is now one of the most progressive in Europe, abortion has not only been legalised, but decriminalised. Abortion is now a part of reproductive healthcare on the Island, helping to ensure the health and wellbeing of all women and those who are pregnant.

Since their campaign, CALM have continued to put pressure on the Manx government to ensure that abortion services are properly signposted and provided.

Legacy

In what started as grass-root campaigns led by a group of likeminded women, CALM and Handmaids IOM garnered the support of thousands of people across the island and beyond. Their brave, collaborative and unifying campaigns demonstrated the powerful, long-lasting and law-changing effects that a group of women can have on our Island's history. This signalled the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the women of Mann.

“Empowered women, empower women”

In 2018, for the first time in Manx history, hundreds of people took to the streets of Douglas to take part in the Women's Day of Action and Unity march. As an offshoot of CALM, a 'Women of Mann' group was set up in order to create a safe space for debate and discussion through feminist book clubs, craft clubs, speaker events, workshops and meetings.

Sources

BBC News Article 'Hundreds join women's equality march' (available at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-42774181)

Buzzfeed Article 'Abortion Is Still Illegal On This British Isle, But That Could Be About To Change.' (available at https://www.buzzfeed.com/laurasilver/abortion-is-still-illegal-on-this-british-isle-but-that)

CALM website and blog posts (available at http://calmiom.org/)

Economic and Social Research Council Article 'Scared, stigmatised and alone: Irish women navigate the abortion trail with little support' (available at https://esrc.ukri.org/news-events-and-publications/news/news-items/scared-stigmatised-and-alone-irish-women-navigate-the-abortion-trail-with-little-support/)

Handmaids IOM Social Media posts (available at https://www.facebook.com/handmaidsIOM)

Manx Independent Article 'The Manx Handmaid's Tale' (available at https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/health/the-manx-handmaids-tale-216171)