What's happened
Italy's Parliament has passed a measure allowing anti-abortion groups to enter counseling centers, reviving tensions around abortion in the predominantly Catholic country. The move by Giorgia Meloni's far-right government has been met with criticism from the liberal opposition, who see it as a threat to abortion rights established in 1978.
Why it matters
The decision to allow anti-abortion groups in counseling centers in Italy is significant as it reopens the debate on abortion rights in the country. The move by the far-right government could impact women's reproductive autonomy and access to abortion services, leading to potential restrictions and challenges for women seeking to terminate pregnancies.
What the papers say
The measure introduced by Giorgia Meloni's government has been portrayed differently by various sources. The New York Times highlights that the measure essentially restates part of Italy's 1978 abortion law, emphasizing prevention. The Independent focuses on the opposition's concerns that the amendment could erode abortion rights. Politico points out the criticism faced by Meloni for promoting a hard-right agenda domestically while projecting a moderate image internationally. The Guardian reports on the opposition's view that women's rights have been dealt a blow by allowing anti-abortion activists into counseling clinics.
How we got here
Italy legalized abortion in 1978 under Law 194, allowing it on request in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The recent measure allowing anti-abortion groups in counseling centers is seen as a move by the far-right government to fulfill the original intent of the law, which includes provisions to prevent abortions and support motherhood. The influence of the Catholic Church and conscientious objectors in gynecological departments has made access to abortions challenging in Italy.
Common question
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Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a sovereign country consisting of a peninsula delimited by the Alps and surrounded by several islands. Italy is located in south-central Europe, and is considered part of western Europe.