THE‘access to the voluntary termination of pregnancy in Italy, despite being a right sanctioned by Law 194 From 1978, it is still configured today as a journey with an obstacles and difficulties for many women. Although, in fact, the law represented a milestone in the recognition of the freedom of female self -determination With regard to reproductive health, its full application remains a chimera in different regions of the country. And Lombardy is definitely (and perhaps surprisingly) black jersey.
Abortion hindered: Lombardy under accusation
International organization always at the forefront of the defense of the right to health, Doctors of the world He pointed the spotlight on the particularly critical situation that is recorded in Lombardy. This region, while holding the primacy for the highest number of IVGs made in Italyis equally distinguished by the adoption of policies and the implementation of practice which, in fact, significantly hinder its accesscreating an atmosphere of uncertainty and vulnerability for women who find themselves having to make this difficult choice.
The Unheard Voice: the silenced voice of women
After Turin, Milan will host “on May 21st”The Unheard Voice“. The touching installation of doctors in the world gives voice to the testimonies of women who, at the most delicate moment of their lives, they found themselves in front of a wall of psychological abuses and negations. Phrases like “He had to think about it before!”, “You have fun, now you pay”, “He must hear the beat of the fetus, it’s fundamental!”, “We are women, we must suffer”. PArole really pronounced by health personnel: they will resonate in Piazza Duca d’Aosta from a transparent display case that reproduces a small gynecological clinic, tearing the veil of hypocrisy that often envelops the theme of abortion. The initiative will also be an opportunity to present alarming data and direct testimonies on the Lombard situation.
Although the region with the highest number of IVG, Lombardy for access to abortion is distinguished by the difficulties that women encounter in exercising this right
Lombardy and access to denied abortion: the “structure” conscientious objection
Lombardy, often celebrated for the excellence of its health system, paradoxically proves to be one of the most problematic regions regarding access to IVG. Already in 2000, a regional resolution has allowed accredited private family consultants not to provide the services provided for the IVGin fact legitimizing the “structure” conscientious objection, a practice prohibited by law 194.
Anti -abortionists increasingly present in public consultors
This political choice, favored the proliferation of life help centersmanaged by antiabortist movements, often present within hospitals and public consultors. The result is a seriously insufficient public services network: The 145 current public consultors are well below the standard of 1 every 20,000 inhabitants, leaving many women without an adequate reference point.
The pharmacological IVG: an even more difficult path
Speaking of access to pharmacological AVG, which represents a less invasive and more respectful method of the dignity of the woman, the situation does not improve, on the contrary it becomes even more difficult in Lombardy. In 2022, only 41.8% of the IVGs took place through a pharmacological method. It is a percentage clearly lower than the European average and that of other Italian regions. Also, in 2023, 11 out of 50 public structures did not practice the pharmacological IVG at allwith the Province of Milan that records the lowest percentage, 29%.
The problem of conscientious objection
To this is added a high rate of conscientious objection between gynecologists53.9%, with peaks over 70% in the province of Bergamo, and waiting times that far exceed the national average. According to data from the Ministry of Health, 32.8% of Lombard women must wait over 15 days to get an IVG from the release of the certificatea fact that places the region among the worst in Italy.
The consequences: health at risk and trampled rights
This intertwining of bureaucratic obstacles, ideological resistances and structural deficiencies, It has devastating consequences on the physical and mental health of women. The difficulties of accessing correct information, delays in the procedures, The pressure and psychological abuses exercised by antiabortist healthcare personnel and activiststhey force many women to undertake real “travel of hope”, facing unsustainable economic and psychological costs.
“An institutionalized violence”
Doctors of the world denounces one “Institutionalized violence”, trampling on the fundamental rights of women. And that, above all, removes them from safe and timely access to the IVG, as recommended by WHO, the World Health Organization and guaranteed by the Lea, the essential levels of assistance. Several scientific studies, moreover, show that, deny access to abortion, increases the risk of developing mental health problems, live in poverty and undergo domestic violence.
An appeal for better access to abortion in Lombardy
The world’s doctors’ initiative in Milan represents a cry of alarm. An appeal to the responsibility of institutions and civil society. As Elisa Visconti says, director of doctors from the Italy World, It is unacceptable that in a region like Lombardyat the forefront in many sectors, Access to IVG is still so problematic. A concrete commitment is needed to remove the barriers that hinder the exercise of a fundamental right. It is fundamental guarantee a full and uniform application of law 194 throughout the regional territoryand promote a culture of respect and self -determination of women.
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