|
Abortion |
| |
Letter
from
National Secular Society's Newsline
14 March 2008
From Joan Wade:
I am a new member of the NSS and I want to say how much I enjoy
reading the weekly Newsline. I know now I am not alone
anymore thinking that Jesus didn't heal the sick, walk on water
or that I would be cleansed of my sins if I believed all this –
as I was led to believe early on in life!
Diane Munday wrote in her letter last week that
she thinks, because David Cameron has a severely disabled child,
this is the reason why he supports a restriction of the Abortion
Act: that his son's life has equal value to any other life. I
follow such debates with great interest since I was born with a
congenital
physical impairment myself (not 'handicapped') and it
is the majority non-disabled who legislate about whether I
should have lived or not. I don't feel my life is less equal
than any other, it is simply that I would rather have had a life
free of sickness/pain with all its limitations. In 1935 my
sister was born with the same condition as mine, but not so
severe, and I was born five years later in 1940 at the height of
the bombing, during the Battle of Britain. Our family was torn
apart after my father was called up, and my mother, who was
pregnant with me, had to give up her home and move to the north
to live with her married sister, where we were evacuees for six
years. Most marriages would also collapse under such pressures.
It wasn't until 1993 that I had a brain scan, which eventually
diagnosed cerebral palsy diplegia, proving that the disability
wasn't genetic – far too late for me to have been able to make
any informed decision on the risk of having children, for
example.
My mother, Emily, supported and provided for me
all her life, but she did so at great cost to her own. My older
sister became a convert, when she married an Irish Roman
Catholic in 1963, and three years later my parents' marriage
fell apart, ending in an acrimonious divorce, after which my
mother became estranged from my sister and family for over 40
years, who used their three children as weapons to punish her
for it, until her death in 2002. This lifelong punishment was
also imposed on her for her criticism of the Catholic Church
doctrines, mainly on women's rights in the family, and, as a
consequence, I too have been so cruelly excluded for life.
The anti-abortionists lobby (supported mainly by
Catholics) want all reasoned, sensible debate closed down. I
support the view that the abortion time limit should remain the
same – 24 weeks. Had my mother been given a choice she may well
have decided to have had an abortion after a midwife told her
there was a similar problem with her second pregnancy. There was
no option for a Caesarean and my birth was an extremely
difficult one, during which time my mother nearly died, followed
by what must have been undiagnosed post natal depression with no
NHS. Had abortion been legal at the
time, I believe she would have made that option, not only to
make her own life easier, but for me, whose life has been
particularly hard, something she certainly understood with
compassion. She would much rather I had never been forced to
live such a difficult life, especially now, without
the support of a family. When I suggested this to my sister and
ex Lib Dem MP husband in a letter, I can only describe the
reaction as extremely angry, even hysterical. But why? I am
entitled to an opinion without being condemned as an outcast.
They think that only they are allowed an opinion but no family
should irreconcilably break down over a point of view and a
religion.
So, I say to all those pious anti-abortion
lobbyists out there they should try living my life in the real
world and see how they would have coped with it on their own.
That cuddly bearded God Father in the sky doesn't exist and I
know his Son Jesus doesn't do miracles either! If only he had
how different and happy my life would have been. I could have
skated, skiied, travelled far and do all the other normal things
within a family that fit people take for granted.
It is a woman's right to choose, not misguided
male religious zealots, who want to go on controlling women and,
even worse, abuse them.
|
|
Legalising
abortion brings down crime rate
Extract from a
review of the book Freakonomics :"Levitts
most controversial computation to date involves the dramatic drop in crime
rates in the 1990s. The reason, he says, was not tougher gun control laws,
capital punishment, decreasing unemployment, or a stronger economy. The
cause was Roe v. Wade (landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision making abortion
legal). Research shows that children born into impoverished and adverse
environments are more likely to grow up to become criminals. After Roe
v. Wade, millions of poor, single, teenage women had abortions instead of
future potential criminals; 20 years later the pool of potential criminals
had shrunk, along with the crime rate. Levitts syllogistic logic is as
follows: Unwantedness leads to high crime; abortion leads to less
unwantedness; abortion leads to less crime. Of course, Levitt is quick
to add that the solution is not more abortions, but providing better
environments for those children at greatest risk for future crime.
Correlation does not always mean causation, and explaining crime is an
extremely complex and multivariate problem. Nevertheless, Levitt shows that
the five states that legalized abortion two years before Roe v. Wade
witnessed a crime fall earlier than the other 48 states. Further, those
states with the highest abortion rates in the 1970s experienced the greatest
fall in crime in the 1990s, and the entire decline in crime was among the
post-Roe younger age group, not among older groups"
|
Europe's
abortion rules
Jan 2007
AUSTRIA
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: First three months - in practice often before 12 weeks
Conditions: Must have medical consultation. May be performed after 12 weeks
if necessary to avoid serious danger to the woman's physical or mental
health; if the child is at risk of being born with a serious physical or
mental defect; or if the woman is under 14 years of age.
In practice, the ability of a woman to pay for an abortion is an important
factor. It is difficult for women to get an abortion outside Vienna and
other big cities. Few doctors perform abortions in private practice in rural
areas.
BELGIUM
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: 12 weeks
Conditions: Woman must say she is in a "state of distress". Abortions
allowed at any stage later in pregnancy if two physicians agree there is a
serious risk to the health of the mother or that the child has an "extremely
serious and incurable disease".
The woman must receive counselling at least six days prior to procedure,
which must be performed by a physician under good medical conditions in a
healthcare establishment with the proper information resources.
BULGARIA
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: 12 weeks
Conditions: Between 12 and 20 weeks, abortion is permitted only if the woman
is suffering from a proven, documented case of a disease that could endanger
the life of mother or child.
After 20 weeks, abortion is permitted only if the woman's life is in danger
or evidence is found of severe foetal impairment.
CYPRUS
Availability: Under certain conditions
Gestational limit: 28 weeks
Conditions: Allowed to save a woman's life, to preserve her mental or
physical health or in cases of rape or incest and if the child is likely to
be born with serious disabilities. The UN says that although not specified
by law, in practice abortion is performed within 28 weeks of gestation.
Certification by two doctors is required for all grounds except rape - when
certification by a police authority is necessary. Free of charge for
patients eligible for free medical care.
Anyone caught performing an unlawful abortion is liable to seven years'
imprisonment. A woman inducing her own abortion is liable to the same
punishment. In practice, terminations are often carried out for social and
economic reasons.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: 12 weeks
Conditions: Requires consent of the woman and authorisation by her
gynaecologist. After 12 weeks, pregnancy can be terminated only if the
woman's life or health is endangered or in the case of suspected foetal
impairment. The procedure must be authorised by a medical commission and
performed in a hospital. Therapeutic abortion is permitted up to 26 weeks.
Women who have had an abortion are not allowed another within six months
unless they have had two deliveries, are at least 35 years of age or the
pregnancy was the result of a rape.
The number of abortions in the Czech Republic dropped by about two-thirds in
the 1990s mainly due to the increasing availability of the birth-control
pill and other types of contraception.
DENMARK
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: 12 weeks
Conditions: After 12 weeks, if the pregnancy does not pose a risk to the
woman's life or of serious deterioration to her physical or mental health,
the abortion must be approved by a committee of four people.
The procedure must be performed by a physician in a state or communal
hospital or in a clinic attached to a hospital. No cost, part of the public
health system.
Abortion for non-residents is not allowed unless they have some special
relationship with Denmark.
FAROE ISLANDS:
Availability: Under certain conditions
Gestational limit: 16 weeks
Conditions: If there is a risk to life of woman, in cases of rape and severe
risk of foetal malformation. If married, consent is required from the
husband.
ESTONIA
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: 12 weeks
Conditions: After 12 weeks, a woman must undergo a consultation with doctors
and the reason for the abortion has to be stated in writing.
Abortions are permitted until 22 weeks for health reasons and certain other
reasons, including pregnancy at a very young age (under 16) or over 45 years
of age. A woman choosing to have an abortion must pay a larger cost of the
abortion than she would if it should be performed on medical grounds.
FINLAND
Availability: Under certain conditions
Gestational limit: 24 weeks
Conditions: Abortions permitted up to 12 weeks to save the woman's life, to
preserve her mental health, for economic or social reasons or in the cases
of rape or incest.
Available up to 20 weeks if there is a risk to the physical health of woman
or if she is younger than 17. The procedure can be performed up to 24 weeks
if the woman's life is at risk or there is a risk of foetal malformation.
An abortion must be authorised by one or two doctors up to 12 weeks, or by
the State Medical Board up to 20 weeks. Abortion is free of charge under
national
health insurance but women must pay hospital fees.
The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) says that in practice
a woman can get an abortion on demand, but illegal abortion is rare.
FRANCE
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: 12 weeks
Conditions: The woman must claim to be in a "state of distress" because of
her pregnancy. After 12 weeks, abortions are allowed only if the pregnancy
poses a grave danger to the woman's health or there is a risk the child will
suffer from a severe illness recognised as incurable. If this is the case,
two doctors must confirm the risk to the health of the woman or foetus.
A pregnant girl under the age of 16 may ask for an abortion without
consulting her parents first. But she has to be accompanied by an adult of
her choice.
Conscientious objection allows professionals to decline involvement in
procedures, but they must inform the patient without delay.
GERMANY
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: 12 weeks
Conditions: The woman must receive proper counselling three days before the
procedure. The state-regulated counselling is required to inform the woman
that the unborn have a right to life and to try to convince her to continue
her pregnancy.
The procedure is not covered by public health insurance except for women
with low income. The law includes penalties for people who force a pregnant
woman to obtain an abortion or who induce a pregnant woman to have an
abortion by maliciously withholding support payments.
GREECE
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: 12 weeks
Conditions: Abortions are allowed up to 19 weeks in the case of rape or
incest and 24 weeks in cases of foetal abnormality.
Abortions must be performed by a practising physician in a private clinic or
hospital. A minor must obtain the written consent of her parents or
guardian.
The United Nations says the public is still not fully aware of the new laws
and illegal abortions are still common.
HUNGARY
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: 12 weeks
Conditions: The woman must obtain counselling. A consultation with a nurse
is compulsory to inform the pregnant woman on issues of contraception, as
well as to provide assistance if the pregnancy is carried to term.
Before 1953 abortions were illegal except for health reasons. The 1992 law
stressed respect for the foetus, but it allowed abortions.
If the pregnancy endangers the life of the woman, or the foetus shows
malformation that renders any form of postnatal life impossible, the
abortion can be performed at any time during pregnancy.
IRELAND
Availability: Strict conditions
Gestational limit: No set limit
Conditions: Allowed only allowed if woman's life is at risk (including the
risk of suicide).
Ireland has voted five times in the past 20 years on its abortion laws, most
recently deciding to continue to allow women to have an abortion if they say
they are suicidal - a loophole the government and Catholic Church wanted
closed.
Women can have counselling and advice on options, and can leave the country
to have the procedure elsewhere - more than 6,000 a year go to the UK for a
termination.
ITALY
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: 12 weeks
Conditions: A one-week reflection period is imposed unless the situation is
one of urgency. A certificate confirming the pregnancy and the request for
termination must be issued by a doctor and signed by the woman and the
doctor.
Parental authorisation is required if the woman is under 18. After 12 weeks,
abortion is allowed only if the foetus has a genetic deficiency or to
preserve the physical and mental health of the mother. An abortion must be
performed in a public hospital or authorised private facility - if there are
staff willing to perform the procedure.
The influence of the Roman Catholic Church - and the threat of
excommunication for anyone performing an abortion and any woman obtaining an
abortion - means the majority of physicians and other healthcare
professionals invoke a conscience clause allowing them to be exempted on
moral or religious grounds.
LATVIA
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: 12 weeks
Conditions: After the first three months, special authorisation is required
but non-medical reasons can include the death of the husband during
pregnancy; imprisonment of the pregnant woman or her husband; divorce during
pregnancy; pregnancy following rape; and history of child disability in the
family.
The laws were liberalised during the Soviet era. Procedures must be
performed in a hospital or other authorised health-care facility.
LITHUANIA
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: 12 weeks
Conditions: After 12 weeks, special authorisation is required. The laws are
similar to Latvia, the countries having been a part of the former Soviet
Union. Abortion laws have changed little since independence.
LUXEMBOURG
Availability: Under certain conditions
Gestational limit: 12 weeks
Conditions: Allowed during first 12 weeks to save a woman's life, to
preserve her mental or physical health, for economic or social reasons in
the cases of rape or incest or foetal impairment. A one-week reflection
period is required and the pregnant woman must be given an information
booklet in which options other than abortion are explained.
After 12 weeks, the law allows abortion only if there is a very serious
threat to the health of the woman or the unborn child. Two qualified doctors
must confirm in writing that a serious threat exists. A doctor is not
required to perform an abortion except when the life of the pregnant woman
is in imminent danger.
The UN says there remains a reluctance among doctors to perform abortions,
partly because of the country's religious conservatism.
MALTA
Availability: None
Conditions: Abortion is prohibited in all circumstances. Anyone performing
an abortion - or a woman who performs one on herself or consents to the
procedure - can be jailed for between 18 months and three years. A
physician, surgeon, obstetrician, or pharmacist who performs an abortion
faces a jail term of 18 months to four years and a lifelong ban from
exercising his or her profession.
The government and bishops on the island objected strongly to moves in 2000
to perform abortions on a ship in international waters off Malta.
THE NETHERLANDS
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: 13 weeks
Conditions: A five-day waiting period is required between the initial
consultation and the performance of an induced abortion. The procedure must
be performed in a licensed hospital or clinic. Abortion is allowed after 13
weeks (up to 24 weeks) if she claims to be in a state of distress.
Since November 1984, women in the Netherlands have been able to obtain
abortions free of charge under the government-sponsored national health
insurance system. Foreigners may have abortions in the Netherlands, but they
have to pay.
POLAND
Availability: Under certain conditions
Gestational limit: 12 weeks
Conditions: Allowed to save a woman's life, to preserve her mental or
physical health or in the cases of rape or incest or foetal impairment. The
procedure must be performed by an obstetrician or gynaecologist who has
passed the national proficiency tests.
After 12 weeks, abortions are allowed only if continued pregnancy would
endanger the life or health of the pregnant woman. It must be performed in a
hospital or clinic with the consent of the pregnant woman or her parents or
guardian if she is a minor.
PORTUGAL
Availability: Under certain conditions
Gestational limit: 16 weeks
Conditions: Allowed within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy to save a woman's
life or to preserve her mental or physical health.
Abortions are allowed within 16 weeks in the cases of rape or another sexual
crime and up to 24 weeks if there is a risk that the child will be born with
an incurable disease or malformation - which must be certified by a doctor
other than the one performing the procedure.
Women under age 16 must have the consent of the husband, parents or, in
their absence, any relative. Abortions must be performed in an official or
officially approved healthcare establishment.
A referendum on 11 February 2007 will decide whether to allow abortions on
request within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Pro-choice organisations in
the country say some 10,000 women each year need medical treatment after
illegal abortions.
ROMANIA
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: 14 weeks
Conditions: Must be carried out with the woman's consent in an approved
medical institution or surgery. Abortions may be performed later in
pregnancy if absolutely necessary for therapeutic reasons, according to
legal provisions.
A doctor who performs an illegal abortion faces suspension.
SLOVAKIA
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: 12 weeks
Conditions: Woman must request procedure in writing. It is allowed only if
at least six months have elapsed since a previous abortion, except in the
case of a woman who has had two other births or is 35 years of age or older,
or in the case of rape.
A woman must receive counselling before an abortion is performed. Parental
consent is required for women under 16 years of age; for minors between 16
and 18 years of age, the physician must inform the parents following the
abortion. Abortions after 12 weeks are only allowed for medical and genetic
reasons and in cases of rape or other sexual crimes.
SLOVENIA
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: 10 weeks
Conditions: After the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, special authorisation by
a commission composed of a gynaecologist/obstetrician, a general physician
or a specialist in internal medicine and a social worker or a psychologist
is required.
If the woman is a minor, approval of her parents or guardian is required,
unless she has been recognised as fully competent to earn her own living.
SPAIN
Availability: Under certain conditions
Gestational limit: 22 weeks
Conditions: Abortions are allowed to avoid serious risk to physical or
mental health of the woman within the first 12 weeks. If the pregnancy is a
result of rape, the rape must first be reported to the police and the
procedure carried out within 12 weeks of pregnancy.
In case of foetal impairment, two specialists, other than the doctor
performing the abortion, must certify that the child would suffer from
severe physical or mental defects. The procedure must be performed within
the first 22 weeks.
All abortions must be reported to the national health authorities.
SWEDEN
Availability: On request
Gestational limit: 18 weeks
Conditions: Between 12 and 18 weeks of gestation, the women must discuss the
procedure with a social worker. After 18 weeks, permission must be obtained
from the National Board of Health and Welfare.
Abortions must be performed by a licensed medical practitioner and, except
in cases of emergency, in a general hospital or other approved healthcare
establishment. Abortion is subsidised by the government. The country says
illegal abortions have been eradicated.
UNITED KINGDOM
Availability: Under certain conditions
Gestational limit: 24 weeks
Conditions: Abortion is allowed in England, Wales and Scotland to save a
woman's life, for health, economic or social reasons. Two registered medical
practitioners must certify that the required medical grounds have been met.
The procedure must be carried out, except in emergency, in a National Health
Service hospital or in a nursing home, private hospital or other approved
place. The consent of the spouse is not a prerequisite of the medical
termination.
In Northern Ireland, the
woman's health must be at risk. The difference
between the British mainland and Northern Ireland occurred in 1967 when the
Westminster parliament let the then Ulster authority decide not to adopt the
new laws. Hundreds of women each year cross the Irish Sea to get abortions
in England.
Sources: United Nations and the International Planned Parenthood Federation.
|
| |
|