Discipline or liberalization of abortion? Proposal for the Fortuna law: its function and applicability in Italy
Fossati, S.
Minerva Ginecologica 25(6): 364-370
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-4784 PMID: 4732982 Document Number: 62009
It is impossible to eliminate abortion, and therefore it must be evaluated in all its medical, moral, religious, as well as, unfortunately, convenience aspects. From a religious viewpoint, abortion is inadmissible; there are, however, social, emotional and psychological problems. Many countries have solved the problem of abortion more or less satisfactorily. Conditions in Italy, however, are rather special, as a resllt of a range of factors, not least of which is a powerful religious pressure which conditions many expressions of private and social life. The physician involved in this problem is confronted with very difficult decisions from the viewpoint of conscienc e, morality, and professional ethics. Abortion requests cannot be granted unconditionally and abortions of convenience must be drastically rejected. On the other hand, in many cases humane considerations demand a solution, and in very exceptional cases abortion is appropriate. But it is impossible to draw up a document to codify rigidly invidual cases, and the physician must rely on his own scientific knowledge, perhaps supported by that of a competent colleague, and on his professional cons cience. A thorough program of prevention of damaging or dangerous pregnancies is recommended, by means of health and sex education. Knowledge of both pharmaceutical and mechanical contraceptives must be popularized at all levels.