Clogged toilets and lawyers who never stop talking.

Meanwhile, the Langenort is having some difficulties. The Langenort's engine was thought to be damaged, and there are problems with the insurance, there are no life rafts, and the instruments onboard are not working.

At the same time it becomes clear that the Polish legal situation is far from clear. Article 152.2 of the Polish penal code states:
"The same punishment (3 years imprisonment) shall be imposed on anyone who renders assistance to a pregnant women in terminating her pregnancy in violation of the law or persuades her to do so."
The Polish penal code will not apply to us while we are not in Polish waters, so abortions given while 12 miles away from the coast will not be in violation with any law.
However, some Polish legal experts recommend however that we provide information on land in such a manner that it will not be possible to interpret this act as facilitating the termination of a pregnancy. Women on Waves is very surprised by this advice because the European Court of Human Rights has specifically established the right to give information about abortion services abroad (and for women to receive that information). Since Poland has signed the European Convention of Human Rights and they have to comply with that ruling.

June 5, 2003
The ship's owners call. During today's last minute dry-docking procedure, the hull is not properly supported resulting in the probability that the engine has been damaged.

June 6, 2003
Margreet and Rebecca drive to Harlingen to inspect the dry-docked Langenort. After exerting some pressure, the shipyard is willing to launch the Langenort on Monday, a holiday. The ship has to be in the water for at least 24 hours before experts can investigate if any damage has been done to the engine. While speaking to the ship's owner it also turns out that the ship still does not have the proper insurance. We ask our own insurance company to make sure we get insured in time so that we can set sail according to our schedule. The Dutch spokespersons for the campaign (except for Margreet and Rebecca) receive media training by de Beuk.

June 10, 2003
The experts determine that the engine has not been damaged and Women on Waves will be able to sail as scheduled. What a relief!

June 11, 2003
We take the Langenort out on a test voyage. None of the equipment on board works properly. The compass has not been levelled, there are no radios on board and the radar does not function. The ship's owners have only 5 days to make sure that everything works.

June 12, 2003
Some unexpected legal issues begin to arise. Apparently the legal situation in Poland is far from clear. Article 152.2 of the Polish penal code states: "The same punishment (3 years imprisonment -rg) shall be imposed on anyone who renders assistance to a pregnant women in terminating her pregnancy in violation of the law or persuades her to do so�. According to Women on Waves and our legal council no crime will be committed and the abortion will not be in violation of any law because the abortion will in fact take place on Dutch territory where Polish penal code does not apply. Some Polish legal experts recommend however that we provide information in such a manner that it will not be possible to interpret this act as facilitating the termination of a pregnancy. We are very surprised by this advice because the European Court of Human Rights has specifically established the right to give information about abortion services abroad (and for women to receive that information). Poland has signed the European Convention of Human Rights and has to comply with that ruling. Under these conditions giving information about our abortion services can not be illegal.

June 13, 2003
We bring the gangway that we borrowed from the Greenpeace ship Sirius (thanks to Jan) to our ship. The Langenort has been moved to another spot. The ship's owners tell us that the shipyard where the Langenort is berthed is bankrupt. Just before the ship was moved they had placed the treatment room on the ship. Now there is no proper entrance and it will be very difficult to bring the stock on board. Two crewmembers, Sjoukje and Monica, go on board to help ready the ship on time. The on board lights do not work, the cradles for the life rafts have not been installed and there is still so much unfinished.

June 14, 2003
Still nothing works properly. When we turn on the electricity in the treatment room all of the fuses blow. The toilet is clogged. The lights on the ship don't work. There are still no radios. There are not as many life jackets as the ship's owners have promised.

June 15, 2003
In the afternoon the crew boards the Langenort and receives its final media training, and continues preparing the ship for departure. We issue the latest updates and all have dinner together.

shawna working

Goodbye

The Langenort leaves to return the Netherlands. Weather is rough and emotions…

The last trip

The Langenort sails to international waters very early in the morning to avoid…

Artists or abortion doctors?

Women on Waves are invited to participate in an art event at Modelarnia, a…

Kremlin, Acropolis, Eiffel Tower, Langenort!

The Langenort does not sail out again due to weather conditions, and instead…

Open Ship

An open house day is held on the ship to be able to provide more information.

Support us

In Wroc?aw a demonstration takes place to support the actions of Women on Waves.

Active media

Washington Times 29-06-2003, Joe Bob's week in review: "The Langenort, a…

Sailing again

The Langenort sails out into international waters for the second time. There…

Dealing

The local prosecutor has started an investigation concerning the possible…

To international waters

The Langenort can finally sail to international waters to provide Polish women…

Teaching those who want to learn

The ship moved to a publicly more accessible space so that press and visitors…

A letter of support, a drop of truth.

On the fourth day of the campaign, it almost seemed like this hectic isolated…

Custom officials

On the 22nd of June the pharmaceutical experts identify 180 Cytotec pills and…

Arriving in Władysławowo

After 48 hours of negotiation with the harbor officials, the wind lifts up and…

Calling

DZIENNIK BALTYCKI: "There will be no pregnant women coming even as close as 10…

Press, police, politicians. and phones.

In the morning of the 21st of June, a press conference is held in the…

Bright Lights, Wrong City

When the Langenort finally arrives in Poland on the 20th of June, it finds no…

Attention

On the 19th of June at two pm Women on Waves sends their international press…

Keep the closet closed

On the 16th of June, the Langenort finally sails out, after first having the…

Fame! Glory! Compulsory EU leader tours!

In June 2003, Women on Waves got a spot in the first Biennial of Thessalonica…

Wladywhatta?

By April 2003, the crew, press team, medical team and translators are all in…

Leaking like a sieve.

Women on Waves is careful not to announce their trip to Poland, as not to allow…

Power to the... Church?

In January 2003 the Polish Government announces that a referendum will be held…

Condensed SexEd

In December 2002, Women on Waves gives one day workshops for medical…

License to question authority

Even though Women on Waves' application for a license as a first trimester…