Union General Meeting (12th Jun 2007)
THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE FUND
Proposed by: Amy Foxton
Seconded by: Colin Hindson, Kristian Dye and Amy Woods
This union notes:
(i) The Aims and Objectives of the Union (YUSU Constitution Section 1 - 3 and 4)
(ii) The expired Union policy of the same name
(iii) That free abortions on the NHS are not always accessible and this forces many women into private clinics thus discriminating against those who cannot afford this, such as student.
(iv) Financial hardship for students with families
This union believes:
(i) That all women have the right to control their own bodies and reproductive systems
(ii) Students should be supported in their decisions with regards to pregnancy and childcare
(iii) That students should be able to access free and safe abortion
(iv) That student hardship could place financial pressures on students who find themselves pregnant and force them to make decisions based on these pressures rather than what they believe is right for them
(v) That students with families face increased financial pressures
(vi) That no parent should be prevented from accessing education due to the cost of childcare
This union resolves:
(i) To actively campaign in support of the pro-choice lobby.
(ii) To present the arguments for choice at all times.
(iii) To maintain a Right to Choose Fund.
(iv) The Fund will consist of at least £10,000 a year. At least £1,500 will be earmarked for an Abortion Fund. The Fund will be available to any woman student at the University of York, or partner of a student at the University of York, who has signed a declaration that she has tried to obtain an abortion on the NHS but has found this unfeasible and therefore has to go to a private clinic. The money can only be refunded up to three months after the operation has taken place. Any woman who has not met with an Abortion Fund contact before their operation can still claim from the Abortion Fund provided that it is within three months of her operation. The service will be completely confidential. The Fund will be administered by the Academic and Welfare Officer and a female member of Union Staff.
(v) The Right to Choose Fund will also give a Childcare Subsidy for parents as a way of supporting students who have chosen to continue with their pregnancy, dependant on financial means testing to assess the level of need. Claims for the Childcare Subsidy will be processed by the Academic and Welfare Officer.
(vi) The Union will support students who choose to continue with a pregnancy by campaigning for childcare for all student parents.
