Majority of Piemonte doctors oppose abortion
Six out of ten gynecologists in the northern region of Piemonte are opposed to abortion and refuse to practice it. Eleonora Artesio, a councillor of the Federation of the Left and former Regional Minister for Health said it was a "worrying number".
The number is the equivalent of 273 doctors, or 67 percent, in the region refusing to grant a voluntary abortion against 131 who support it, La Stampa reported.
Even though Piemonte is below the national average, the data is "not consoling", Artesio added.
There were 8,856 voluntary terminations across the region in 2012.
Although the region might not yet be at the stage whereby women have "secret" abortions, Artesio said the numbers are worrying as a woman is more likely to be faced with an unwilling gynecologist than a supportive one at a "physically and mentally" stressful time in their lives.
Italy legalised abortion in 1978. The law stipulates that the abortion must be due to health, economic social or family reasons. An abortion can only be carried out in a public hospital and is free to women who have an Italian health card.
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The number is the equivalent of 273 doctors, or 67 percent, in the region refusing to grant a voluntary abortion against 131 who support it, La Stampa reported.
Even though Piemonte is below the national average, the data is "not consoling", Artesio added.
There were 8,856 voluntary terminations across the region in 2012.
Although the region might not yet be at the stage whereby women have "secret" abortions, Artesio said the numbers are worrying as a woman is more likely to be faced with an unwilling gynecologist than a supportive one at a "physically and mentally" stressful time in their lives.
Italy legalised abortion in 1978. The law stipulates that the abortion must be due to health, economic social or family reasons. An abortion can only be carried out in a public hospital and is free to women who have an Italian health card.
Don't want to miss a story about Italy? - Then join The Local Italy on Facebook and Twitter.
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