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".
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