Law number 194 of 22 May 1978. Regulations for social protection of maternity and on voluntary interruption of pregnancy. Practical observations for complying with the law
Pesce, V.S.
Minerva Ginecologica 31(1-2): 1-7
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-4784 PMID: 471307 Document Number: 144987
Law 194 of the Italian law code, promulgated on May 22, 1978, legalizes abortion on request if performed within the first trimester, and abortion for therapeutic reasons if performed after the first trimester. This law follows law 405 of July 29, 19 75, which promulgated the institution of family planning centers all over the country. Unfortunately these centers, usually located inside a hospital, are not yet satisfactorily equipped to provide even for distribution of free contraception, let alone for performing abortions. Moreover the law states that qualified physicians only should be in charge of the operative procedures, unless they declare themselves contrary to abortion, in which case they are excused for "conscientious objection" reasons. The law is very unclear on this point, since, at the same time, it provides penalties for doctors who refuse to perform abortions. Personnel trained to assist during abortions are scarce and badly trained, and appropriate facilities for patients are totally inadequate.