Since 1978, the so-called Law 194 has allowed women to have free abortions without restrictions in the first 90 days of pregnancy.
Despite being a country that has treated abortion as “a women's right” for 40 years, more than seventy percent of Italian gynecologists declare themselves against this practice.
Since 1978, the so-called Law 194 has allowed women to have an abortion free of charge without restrictions, as long as this decision is made within the first 90 days of pregnancy. Even so, many regions make this process difficult because they are favorable to the pro-life movement.
The conservative Five Star Movement (M5S) and the League, which is considered an extreme right-wing party, have influenced and supported the population in this regard. Critics, however, accuse them of “rolling back women’s rights”.
Pro-abortion movement
In July this year, a group of feminist gynecologists called on Health Minister Giulia Grillo to “enforce Law 194,” which regulates abortion in Italy. The group collected more than 100 signatures in support.
The feminist movement happened shortly after a doctor in Naples refused to treat a woman at risk of death from a miscarriage, which ended up causing the gynecologist to be fired.
According to the law in force in the country, abortion is permitted in cases of danger to the mother or malformation of the fetus. However, the legislation also protects doctors’ right to conscientious objection. Professionals are not obliged to perform abortions if they do not want to.
Pro-life movement grows
In 2005, objecting gynecologists represented 58,7% throughout Italy, according to data from the Ministry of Health, in 2016 they were already 70,9%, although in regions such as Basilicata, in the south, the percentage reached 88,1%.
Last month, for example, the city of Verona declared itself pro-life and pledged public funds to anti-abortion projects financed by the Catholic Church and private entities.
Feminist activists also have recent statements coming from the Vatican against them. Pope Francis even declared that “abortion is like hiring a hired killer”.
By Cris Beloni/GospelPrime
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