drypoint etching; 10×10″ (image 6×6″)

“The U.N. Declaration of Human rights that I selected for inspiration was Article 25; it includes the right to food, housing, and medical care. Researching abortion, I learned that the leading cause of death for teenage women was pregnancy. I also learned about the dangers of illegal abortions. I thought that picturing a bloody clothing hanger would depict the danger of illegal abortion, making people see that this is an urgent issue that can be solved by legalizing abortions. Providing medical care is an important right that can save the lives of many young women. Women deserve the right to their own body and shouldn’t be treated as incubators as soon as they’re impregnated.”

ARTIST BIO: Maria Dektas is a Freshman at Oak Hills High School, currently enrolled in Drawing and Printmaking. Maria’s work focuses on the interpretation of an Article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.