When reproductive rights are criminalized: cross-border abortions and a case study of the Ciocia Collectives

Abstract

This research examines qualitative interviews with three informal feminist collectives: Ciocia Basia, Ciocia Wienia, and Ciocia Czesia. The Ciocia collectives are located in Central Europe, specifically Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, and work to organize abortions for people mainly living in Poland where abortion access is highly restricted. Every member of the collective is a volunteer and the group does not profit from their activism. While prior research has been conducted on individuals who are forced to travel to receive reproductive care, little current research exists on the abortion organizing groups who assist them in the process. The Ciocia collectives work tirelessly to organize cross-border abortions including arranging accommodation, appointments, funding, translation services, and more. This work poses a unique set of challenges and opportunities which will be further explored. Keywords: abortion, reproductive justice, cross-border abortions, feminist solidarity, borders, boundaries