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Italy’s Abortion Divide Deepens Under Meloni’s Leadership

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Giorgia Meloni’s leadership has positioned Italy under one of the most openly anti-abortion prime ministers in Western Europe. In a country with a strong Catholic influence and home to the Vatican, accessing abortion services has historically been difficult.

Recently, Linda Feki, a 33-year-old singer from Naples, shared her experiences of stigma and mistreatment while seeking an abortion. Her post resonated with many Italian women, who expressed their support. However, it also drew criticism, revealing a deepening national divide over reproductive rights under Meloni’s government. Feki felt a responsibility as a public figure to advocate for abortion rights and share her story.

Abortion in Italy is legal within the first three months and, in certain circumstances, afterward to protect the mother’s health. Despite this legal framework, numerous bureaucratic, cultural, and practical barriers exist. According to health ministry data, about 63% of gynecologists in Italy refuse to perform abortions on ethical grounds, a figure that exceeds 80% in some southern regions.

Feki’s journey began at Naples’ San Paolo hospital, where a gynecologist questioned her decision to abort and incorrectly assessed her pregnancy’s stage. After obtaining confirmation from a private doctor of an earlier stage, she faced further challenges at Cardarelli hospital, where she endured severe pain without pain relief and received inadequate support post-surgery.

She underwent the procedure on March 4, the same day France recognized abortion as a constitutional right. On social media, Feki expressed her frustration over being judged immediately after surgery, insisting that there should be no stigma surrounding a woman’s right to choose.

In response to Feki’s feedback, Cardarelli hospital acknowledged potential improvements in patient care and indicated they were in contact with her. Meloni, as Italy’s first female prime minister, maintains a conservative stance, advocating for measures that promote prevention while promising to uphold the 1978 abortion law.

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Legalise abortions in first trimester, German commission says

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An expert commission appointed by the government in Germany has recommended legalizing abortion within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Currently, while abortions are technically illegal, exceptions exist for cases such as medical consultation beforehand, rape, or danger to the woman’s life. However, the ambiguous legal situation leads to challenges for both women seeking abortions and healthcare providers, contributing to stigma and uneven access to services, especially in rural areas.

The commission’s report, released a year ago, argues that maintaining the status quo is untenable in light of constitutional, human rights, and European law considerations. However, the government is not bound to follow the commission’s recommendations, and conservative opposition parties are threatening legal action if the law is changed. They accuse the commission of bias and claim the government is initiating a culture war over abortion rights.

While Germany has generally avoided the intense politicization of abortion seen in other countries, such as Poland or the US, upcoming national elections next year could intensify the debate. Politicians may use the issue to rally support amidst declining popularity, potentially prolonging the discussion and fueling further polarization.

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Polish MPs debate liberalising right to abortion on demand

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Poland’s MPs recently engaged in a significant debate over potentially granting women the right to abortion on demand, marking a departure from discussions of the sort in over three decades. Despite expectations of strong emotions given Poland’s devout Catholicism, the attendance was notably sparse, with many MPs from both the opposition and government failing to show up.

Although women constitute only 29% of the Sejm, the lower house of parliament, the majority of speakers in the debate were women. The discussion revolved around potentially liberalizing one of the EU’s strictest abortion laws, which currently permits the procedure only in cases of maternal health risk, rape, or incest.

While public opinion increasingly supports expanded abortion access, politicians have been hesitant to act. The previous Law and Justice-led government, supported by the Catholic Church, had actually tightened abortion restrictions in 2020, sparking widespread protests across the nation.

The ruling by the Constitutional Tribunal, which deemed abortion due to severe and irreversible fetal abnormalities unconstitutional, led to outrage and sustained demonstrations. Several women have died in hospitals since then, as doctors refused to perform necessary abortions, even when the mother’s life was at risk.

Outside the parliament, anti-abortion protesters expressed their views in stark terms, likening liberal ministers to Adolf Hitler and employing provocative imagery. Inside, MPs presented contrasting viewpoints, with some arguing for abortion as a woman’s right, while others contended that it’s not universally supported among Polish women.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk has committed to introducing abortion on demand, but his coalition government is divided over the extent of liberalization. Various proposals, ranging from abortion up to 12 weeks to decriminalization of abortion assistance, have been put forward by different factions within the coalition.

However, achieving consensus on this contentious issue won’t be easy, with opposition from conservative elements and the potential for a presidential veto by Andrzej Duda, who aligns with Catholic beliefs. Ultimately, the fate of these proposals remains uncertain pending further parliamentary deliberation and potential presidential intervention.

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France makes abortion a constitutional right

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France recently made history by becoming the first country to explicitly include the right to abortion in its constitution. The move was celebrated with an overwhelming 780-72 vote in parliament, prompting a standing ovation. President Emmanuel Macron hailed it as a moment of “French pride” and a “universal message.”

However, anti-abortion groups, as well as the Vatican, criticized the change. Abortion has been legal in France since 1975, but this constitutional amendment solidifies and guarantees this right. The decision was influenced by recent events in the US, where abortion rights have been under threat. The constitutional change aims to protect women’s reproductive rights amid global challenges.

Despite some criticism, the move has been largely welcomed, especially by feminist activists. The decision reflects a broader societal support for women’s rights and autonomy over their bodies. It marks a significant step forward in ensuring that women have the freedom to make decisions about their reproductive health without interference or restriction.

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French Senate backs enshrining right to abortion in constitution

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The French Senate has overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to solidify women’s right to abortion, following a similar endorsement by the National Assembly. The vote, with 267 in favor and 50 against, reflects growing pressure to strengthen abortion rights amidst concerns over erosion in allied nations like the US and Poland.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a special joint session of both houses of parliament, away from Paris, in Versailles, to vote on the amendment. If passed with a three-fifths majority, a referendum won’t be necessary. An Ifop poll from November 2022 indicated strong public support, with 86% favoring the amendment.

While all major political parties in France support abortion rights, there was a revision in the language of the amendment, changing from endorsing the “right” to abortion to advocating for the “freedom” to have one. This adjustment, calling for “guaranteed freedom,” was approved by the Senate.

President Macron has pledged to make women’s freedom to choose abortion “irreversible” by enshrining it in the constitution. Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti hailed the move as historic, positioning France as the first country to constitutionally protect women’s freedom in deciding about their bodies.

Conservative senators expressed feeling pressured to approve the amendment, with one anonymously stating concerns about familial repercussions if she voted against it.

The backdrop to this decision includes ongoing debates in the US, where abortion rights have been challenged, leading to restrictions in many states, and in Poland, where a near-total ban on abortion was imposed by the Constitutional Court in 2020.

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Giulia Cecchettin’s killing sparks Italian reckoning over femicide

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The recent tragic killing of 22-year-old Giulia Cecchettin in Italy by her ex-boyfriend has ignited a national conversation about violence against women. Giulia was on the verge of graduating in biomedical engineering when she disappeared with her ex-boyfriend Filippo Turetta. Subsequent CCTV footage revealed her brutal murder, with Turetta assaulting her in a car park, using duct tape to silence her, and ultimately fatally attacking her in an industrial area.

This incident has fueled public outrage and grief, prompting widespread protests, vigils, and discussions about the pervasive issue of violence against women in Italy. The case has drawn attention to the deeply entrenched patriarchal attitudes in the country, with many women expressing concerns about the normalization of controlling and violent behavior by men.

Giulia’s killing is part of a larger pattern, as data from the Italian interior ministry indicates that 106 women have been killed in Italy this year, with 55 allegedly by a partner or ex-partner. The incident has led to an increase in calls to Italy’s anti-violence hotline.

The tragic event has also prompted discussions about the broader societal issues contributing to gender-based violence. Some argue that the resentment of women’s independence is a significant factor in toxic relationships, where violent men struggle with their partners’ success.

Filippo Turetta, who studied the same subject as Giulia, was arrested in Germany after a week-long international manhunt. Despite not being formally charged yet, he is set to be extradited to Italy. The case has brought attention to the need for societal change, with calls for educational campaigns and legislative measures to combat misogynistic violence.

Giulia’s sister highlighted the responsibility of men in addressing the patriarchal norms that contribute to gender-based violence. The outcry has led to unanimous approval by the Italian Senate for new legislation strengthening measures against gender violence, including stricter restraining orders and increased surveillance on perpetrators.

Despite these developments, critics argue that more needs to be done to combat the deeply rooted problem of gender-based violence in Italy. The incident has sparked hope among advocates that the widespread anger and demand for change will lead to a transformative shift in Italian society.

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Russian authorities crack down on abortion access amid demographic crisis

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Russian authorities are implementing measures to restrict access to abortions in an effort to address the country’s demographic crisis. These measures include criminalizing attempts to persuade women to have abortions and pressuring private clinics to cease performing the procedure. The anti-abortion campaign, supported by the Russian Orthodox Church, has been criticized by feminist groups who argue that it endangers women’s lives.

Russia’s population has remained stagnant for over 20 years, with concerns about the impact on military recruitment and the economy. The high number of abortions, with almost a third of Russian women reporting having had one, is identified as a key factor contributing to the demographic crisis. The government, backed by the church, aims to discourage abortions through informal means, including guidelines for healthcare professionals to dissuade women and restrictions on the sale of abortion-inducing medication.

Financial incentives are being offered to pregnant women and those who give birth, and private clinics are facing pressure to stop offering abortion services. Some regions have implemented fines for attempting to persuade a pregnant woman to have an abortion, and there are fears that the anti-abortion campaign may lead to an increase in unsafe, illegal procedures, as well as negatively impacting women’s health by discouraging safer medical abortions.

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Minister’s awkward EU summit kiss causes controversy

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Croatia’s foreign minister, Gordan Grlić-Radman, caused a stir when he greeted his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, with a kiss during an EU ministers meeting in Berlin on Thursday.

The act drew criticism from some Croatian media outlets, with women’s rights activist Rada Boric deeming it “highly inappropriate.” Grlić-Radman defended the gesture, stating that it was a “warm, human approach to a colleague” and acknowledging that it might have been perceived as awkward.

He apologized “to whoever took it that way.” As of now, Annalena Baerbock has not made any comments regarding the incident.

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Women and Youth Propel Power Shift in Poland’s Elections

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At 01:33 on Monday, Szymon Szumniak cast his vote at Wroclaw Polling Station No 148, having endured a six-hour queue in the freezing cold, long after the polls were due to close. The lengthy wait, a symbol of the immense engagement in Poland’s parliamentary election, saw a record turnout of over 74%, resulting in the removal of the right-wing Law and Justice party (PiS) from power.

Szymon, an entertainment blogger, recounted the remarkable solidarity shown in the queue, with locals offering blankets, hot beverages, and even entertainment. Similarly heartening instances of community support unfolded, such as a local pizza company distributing free food and redirecting surplus funds to charity, prompting Szymon to stay determined and contribute to the democratic process.

The election witnessed a notable surge in the participation of young voters, with 68.8% of those under 29 turning out, surpassing the turnout of the over-60s, which is an unusual trend. The youth’s support for change was evident in areas like Wroclaw, where the opposition Civic Coalition secured a significant victory over PiS.

Both major parties directed aggressive campaigns during the election, with the government propagating fears of chaos under Civic Coalition, and its leader, Donald Tusk, being labeled a European pawn. In contrast, Tusk emphasized the threat PiS posed to democracy, a message that resonated strongly with younger voters.

The high voter turnout, along with strategic voting efforts, emphasized the significance of this election in safeguarding democratic values and the country’s relationship with the EU. Women’s voices, particularly in response to restrictive abortion laws, were also pivotal, with campaigns urging them to exercise their rights at the ballot box.

With the potential government change, issues such as abortion laws are poised for reform, with promises of terminations on demand up to 12 weeks by the Civic Coalition and Left parties. The mandate from society for such changes underscores the need for the new administration to deliver on their promises.

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Spanish anger over TV star Ana Obregón’s surrogate baby in US

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Ana Obregón, a Spanish television actress, has drawn criticism for disclosing that at the age of 68, she gave birth to a girl in the US through a surrogate. Obregón is well recognised for his roles as the lead in several Spanish sitcoms.

She had previously discussed her efforts to move on with her life when her son, who was also her sole child, died of cancer in 2020 at the age of 27. All kinds of surrogacy are prohibited in Spain, however parents who return to the country can adopt the child.

Following the passing of her son, Obregón, who also lost both of her parents, was depicted on the cover of the Hola! magazine earlier this week holding a newborn outside a Miami hospital.

In an Instagram post, she later commented on the magazine cover, saying:

“A light full of love came into my darkness.

“I will never be alone again. I AM ALIVE AGAIN.”

Her remarks ignited debate on Spanish social media, and ministers in Spain’s left-wing government were incensed at the move.

The image of Obregón leaving the hospital was dubbed “Dantesque” by education minister Pilar Alegra in reference to the Italian author’s descent into hell.

Equality Minister Irene Montero claimed the measure was “a form of aggression against women” and added there was a “clear poverty prejudice” against women who become surrogate mothers because they needed the money.

This is not surrogacy, this is renting a womb,” Ms. Alegra added. “As we all know, this is an illegal procedure in Spain.” Presidency Minister Felix Bolaos remarked that “women’s bodies should neither be bought nor hired to satisfy anyone’s demands.”

Cuca Gamarra, the second-ranking member of the conservative People’s Party, was more circumspect, stating that the topic required “deep and quiet debates because it touches on many issues.

Spain’s Socialist-led coalition government came to power almost five years ago and has made women’s rights one of its key areas of policy.

Earlier this year, it imposed tighter restrictions on surrogacy, banning advertisement for surrogacy agencies.

It identifies surrogacy as a form of violence against women and categorises any type of forced pregnancy, abortion, sterilisation or contraception in the same way.

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