2024 or 1978?

In Italy, the law that allows women to terminate a pregnancy (IVG) is the 194, approved in 1978 after the victory of numerous feminist movements that encountered the opposition of many political forces in the Parliament. Eventually the law passed, but it was the result of a compromise, the greatest of which was the introduction of conscientious objection. Actually, the law is not based on the positive affirmation of the right to abortion of every woman, but it just functions as a regulation of the cases in which abortion is not considered a crime. It is assumed that motherhood is not carried out only because it is impossible, but there is never discussion of a person’s right to freely terminate a pregnancy.

Italy, 23rd of January 2024, almost 50 years later the promulgation of this law: “La Lega”, one of the right-wing Italian parties, organizes and sponsors a conference putting in discussion the right to abortion. The debate has been extensive and diverse, ranging from in-depth scientific and legal assessments to the first-hand accounts of women who have had abortions. By challenging previous notions and encouraging deeper thought, the diversity of perspectives has contributed to a more thorough understanding of the subject’s complexity. “La Lega”, being a right-wing party, it is not surprising the position they intend to take, but what is disconcerting are the insensitive words used by the speakers at the event to address such a delicate topic, defining it “not necessarily moral” and “a practical solution” that violates the rights of the father and degenerates the maternal role.

Going back a little, if in Italy there exists a law allowing the voluntary termination of pregnancy, why are we still discussing it? Well, the answer is not so complicated. Even if a law is existing, this does not mean that it is applied as it should. In fact, the biggest obstacle for women is represented by the conscientious objectors, who refuse to practice the IVG. In 2023, the number of doctors who were conscientious objectors reached 63,4% and there are 22 Italian hospitals where the percentage of conscientious objectors is 100% among the medical staff. This is the reason why in Italy, even after the promulgation of this law, people never stopped debating about abortion: even if there is a law that should protect women, it is not being applied.

What is the result? Deriving from this is only the fact that women that want to have an IVG are being hampered to do it in a comfortable and safe way. For this reason, there are those who ask for a full application and those who instead think that it would be time to have a new law. It is unacceptable and at the same time incredible that a government finally ruled by a woman, Giorgia Meloni, is actually deciding to take a step back on such an important topic for women, putting in danger their freedom and health. There is no more time to debate, it is now the moment to put the attention on the sanitary emergency and act.

“I do not intend to abolish or amend Law 194. How should I tell you? I want to apply Law 194” said Prime Minister Meloni. However, this apparent openness on the part of the Prime Minister demonstrates, in fact, the intention that nothing will change in the current situation and the conference sponsored by “La Lega” is a proof of this.

Women demonstrating for the right to abortion in Ancona, Italy.