W.I.T.C.H. #3
“We are WITCH: a ritual performance for abortion rights”
WITCH is a performance collective that focuses on inequality and injustice in the Chicago area. WITCH explores the connection between art, performance, ritual and site-specific social justice issues. WITCH performed a ritual for abortion rights in June, 2016 outside of Weinberg/Newton Gallery in Chicago, IL.
During the action members of WITCH performed a procession in which they dropped abortive herbs on the ground (Pennyroyal, Mugworth and Blue Cohosh) and distributed fliers with the following text:
“Witches were the first healers, abortionists, and reproductive rights organizers and activists. The struggle for reproductive rights is centuries old. Chicago has a rich history of reproductive rights struggles and we acknowledge and respect the Jane Collective and the Chicago Women’s Health Clinic for their radical work.
Nowadays, timeworn knowledge that was crucial to protecting and healing women and others directly affected by oppression, has been corrupted or lost. Reproductive rights require harnessing this ancient fountain of power kept alive by communal support. With knowledge and respect for past resistances, modern society can ensure true reproductive rights for all.
We recognize that the fight for true reproductive rights must include the right to choose parenthood freely, and the creation of a society that truly supports mothers and children. This fight must also include the struggle for affordable housing, healthcare and food, quality public education, and parental rights in the workplace, as well as access free, legal and safe abortions, sex education and freely available birth control.
In honor of those who have fought before us, we fight for reproductive rights, and to dismantle patriarchy, white supremacy, and capitalism.
To support the Chicago Abortion Fund: http://www.
Back:
Herbal abortives
Pennyroyal Tea
Part of plant: whole plant; do not use oil
Recipe: pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried herb, let steep for 15-20 minutes.
Dose: 1 cup, three times a day.
Duration: 6 days maximum.
Mugwort Tea
Part of plant: leaves or flowers
Recipe: pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried herb, let steep for 15-20 minutes.
Dose: 1 cup, three times a day.
Duration: 6 days maximum.
Cotton root bark
Part of plant:root
Recipe: boil 1 ounce of root in 1 pint of water, leave to stand for 8 hours, dilute the resulting liquid with water: 1 teaspoon liquid to one cup of water.
Dose: 1 cup, three times a day.
Duration: 6 days maximum.
Herbal abortives can be dangerous if used improperly, and should be thoroughly researched and taken under the supervision of an expert”