Rebecca Gomperts

Dutch physician and activist

Rebecca Gomperts in 2017

Rebecca Gomperts is a Dutch physician and activist known for her work in reproductive rights and access to safe abortion services. She is the founder of Women on Waves, a non-profit organization that provides reproductive health services, including abortions, to women in countries where such services are restricted or illegal.

Early Life and Education

Rebecca Gomperts was born in Paramaribo, Suriname, and grew up in the Netherlands. She studied medicine at the University of Amsterdam, where she developed an interest in women's health and reproductive rights. After completing her medical degree, Gomperts pursued further studies in art and filmmaking, which later influenced her advocacy work.

Career

Medical Practice

Gomperts began her medical career working as a physician on the Greenpeace ship, the Rainbow Warrior. During her time with Greenpeace, she witnessed the environmental and health impacts of restricted access to reproductive health services in various countries. This experience motivated her to focus on improving access to safe abortions.

Women on Waves

Logo of Women on Waves

In 1999, Gomperts founded Women on Waves, an organization that uses ships to provide reproductive health services, including abortions, in international waters. The organization aims to circumvent restrictive abortion laws by offering services outside the jurisdiction of national laws. Women on Waves has conducted campaigns in several countries, including Ireland, Poland, and Portugal, raising awareness about reproductive rights and challenging restrictive laws.

Women on Web

In addition to Women on Waves, Gomperts established Women on Web, an online service that provides information and access to safe abortion pills for women in countries where abortion is restricted. Women on Web offers medical consultations and ships abortion pills to women who need them, ensuring they have access to safe and effective reproductive health care.

Advocacy and Impact

Rebecca Gomperts is recognized for her innovative approach to reproductive rights advocacy. Her work has been instrumental in highlighting the global issue of unsafe abortions and the need for accessible reproductive health services. Gomperts has been featured in various media outlets and has received numerous awards for her contributions to women's health and rights.

Related Pages

• Abortion
• Reproductive rights
• International waters
• Medical abortion