80-100% of hospital staff object to abortions - survey

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 17 - Italy's steep hurdles to getting an abortion were highlighted Tuesday by a report on 168 hospitals showing an extremely high percentage of conscientious objectors on religious, moral and ethical grounds against a practice that was made legal 44 years ago.
    Some 31 of the hospitals had 100% of staff who were objectors, almost 50 showed a rate of over 90%, and over 80 had a rate of objection above 80%, said the right-to-die and pro-choice Luca Coscioni Association, which compiled the report.
    "Access to abortion remains difficult in many parts of Italy, and in some it is actually impossible," they said.
    The association said the level of conscientious objection to abortion was under-reported in official figures given to parliament.
    The association wrote to Health Minister Roberto Speranza and Justice Minister Marta Cartabia urging them to "take urgent action, because this fundamental right is not being guaranteed".
    (ANSA).