Abortion in Italy Back in the Headlines 46 Years After Legalization

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni’s far-right-led government has achieved a significant victory with the Senate’s approval of a law granting anti-abortion groups access to women considering terminating their pregnancies. This move has reignited debates surrounding abortion in Italy, a predominantly Catholic country where the procedure was legalized 46 years ago.

The Senate, where the government holds a majority, voted 95-68 in favor of the legislation, which was part of a package tied to European Union COVID-19 recovery funds. The law allows regions to authorize groups with experience in supporting motherhood to operate in public support centers where women seeking abortions receive counseling.

Supporters of the law argue that it aligns with the original intent of the 1978 legislation legalizing abortion, which includes provisions to prevent the procedure and promote motherhood. However, critics, such as Democratic Party senator Cecilia D’Elia, view the move as an attack on women’s reproductive autonomy and fear it may limit women’s choices regarding motherhood, sexuality, and abortion.

Despite assurances from Premier Meloni that the 1978 law will not be rolled back, her government is focused on encouraging childbirth to address Italy’s declining birthrate. The country’s demographic crisis, coupled with the Vatican’s support, has prompted a campaign to increase annual births to 500,000 by 2033.

The new law allowing anti-abortion groups access to counseling centers has sparked controversy in Italy, contrasting with recent pro-choice developments in other European countries. As the debate continues, opposition leaders like Elly Schlein emphasize the importance of ensuring that women’s rights to abortion are upheld in practice, not just on paper.