They shall not pass!

The Czech Anti-abortion Movement

The so-called Movement for Life is part of a broader international “anti-gender scene” that seeks to make access to abortion more difficult and to deny equal rights to LGBTQIA+ people. In the past, the Movement for Life has presented itself as a philanthropic organization in order to gain the support of politicians and institutions. They have not, however, refrained from public hate campaigns, as evidenced by the publication and distribution of books on the “treatment” of homosexuality, as well as their criticism of aid in the form of emergency contraception. The march on April 6th was yet another attempt to reinforce anti-abortion policies in the Czech Republic and further push conservative ideals.

The Blockade

In response to the Movement for Life march, several opposition groups joined forces and formed Koalice Neprojdou! (“Coalition: They will not pass!”). After months of mobilization, they gathered 500 people to occupy the Legií Bridge in Prague, forcing the march to be rerouted across the neighboring Jirásek Bridge. This led to a delay of several hours, causing people to leave the march early. Even the closing ceremony in Wenceslaus Square was shortened and disrupted, causing the march to lose much of its impact.

The success of this action was reflected in Czech media coverage, which referred to the Movement for Life as a “anti-abortion movement” , a label the organization has been trying to distance itself from by claiming they are, instead, “pro-family.”

The Action Fund stands in solidarity with Koalice Neprojdou! and is proud to continue supporting such actions towards the safety and dignity of women and LGBTQIA+ people.