Conscientious objection in Italy. Issue 2 (26th May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Minerva, Francesca
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical ethics. Volume 41:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 170
• Page End: 173
• Publication Date: 2014-05-26
• Subjects: Medical ethics -- Periodicals; 174.2
• DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2013-101656
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-6800

Abstract

Abstract : The law regulating abortion in Italy gives healthcare practitioners the option to make a conscientious objection to activities that are specific and necessary to an abortive intervention. Conscientious objectors among Italian gynaecologists amount to about 70%. This means that only a few doctors are available to perform abortions, and therefore access to abortion is subject to constraints. In 2012 the International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network (IPPF EN) lodged a complaint against Italy to the European Committee of Social Rights, claiming that the inadequate protection of the right to access abortion implies a violation of the right to health. In this paper I will discuss the Italian situation with respect to conscientious objection to abortion and I will suggest possible solutions to the problem.