Filenews 17 November 2020
Abortion is legal in most countries of the Old Continent, but in 2020 six European countries do not allow abortion or have very restrictive laws. Among them is Poland, where a law is being promoted that abortion will only be allowed in the event of rape, incest or a threat to the health and life of the mother. But what is happening in Cyprus?
It is generally accepted that the decriminalisation of unwanted pregnancies has led to women's access to safe medical services, but also to the woman's free choice to decide for herself about her body.
According to the legislation in Cyprus, termination of pregnancy is permitted:
(a) if 12 weeks of pregnancy have not been completed;
(b) where the pregnancy is the result of rape, sexual abuse of an adult or minor or sexual abuse of a woman with a mental disability or incest and if 19 weeks of pregnancy have not been completed and provided that she declares in writing to the doctor that the pregnancy is the result of rape, sexual abuse or incest;
It is understood that, in the event that the pregnant woman is a minor, the above declaration is also signed by one of the parents or the person who has custody of the person of the minor.
It is further provided that, if the pregnant woman is a woman with a mental disability, instead of the pregnant woman the above declaration is signed only by one of the parents or the person who has custody of the person of the woman with a mental disability.
(c) following the opinion of a competent doctor showing evidence of foetal abnormality resulting in the birth of a newborn with pathological problems;
(d) following the opinion of a competent doctor that there is an unavoidable risk to the life of the pregnant woman or a risk of serious harm to her physical or mental health;
Provided that, if in the above cases the pregnant woman is a minor or a woman with a mental disability, the consent of one of the parents or of the person who has custody of the person of the minor or woman with a mental disability is also required.
Legislation and paradoxes in the rest of Europe
- In the European Union, abortion on request (when the decision is made only by the woman) is legal in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
- Six European countries do not allow abortion on request or have very restrictive laws. Malta, Andorra and San Marino do not allow abortion. Monaco and Liechtenstein allow it only when a woman's health or life is at risk, in the event of rape or because of fetal abnormalities. If a court ruling enters into force in Poland, abortion will only be allowed in the event of rape, incest or a threat to the health and life of the mother.
- Legislation in 15 European countries, including Italy and Spain, requires a mandatory period of time between the date on which the abortion is requested and the date on which it is performed.
- In 12 European countries, including Hungary and Germany, women must undergo mandatory counselling or receive mandatory information from their doctors before abortion.
- In Northern Ireland women still face challenges, forcing them to travel to England or Ireland to have an abortion.
- Abortion is legal in Italy during the first 90 days of pregnancy, but it is not always easy to achieve. According to data from the country's Ministry of Health, 69% of gynaecologists and 46% of anaesthesiologists refuse to perform abortions on the grounds of conscience. This forces some women to travel long distances in order to be able to terminate the pregnancy.
- Although abortion is legal in Germany, it is considered a crime if it is not carried out under certain circumstances, including that it must take place within 12 weeks of conception. It can be done later for certain medical reasons and if the pregnancy is due to rape or sexual abuse.
- In Croatia, where 85% of residents declare themselves Catholic, doctors are allowed to refuse to help carry out abortions.
Source: eyenews
