Justice Minister Alma Zadic and Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) confirmed on Monday that they support low-threshold access to abortion. “We must also ensure the possibility of self-determined, free choice in Austria,” they emphasized. They referred to the latest proposal from the EU Parliament. But the federal states are also held accountable.
There was worldwide outcry when the US Supreme Court overturned abortion rights. That is why the EU Parliament called for the right to abortion to be included in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Last week, MPs in Strasbourg passed a corresponding resolution also expressing solidarity with girls and women in the US.
“Accept personal decision”
“An abortion is a conscious, very personal decision. We must stop making decisions about women’s bodies in particular,” Zadic emphasized in a broadcast: “Your very personal decisions must be accepted.” In Austria, Rauch saw the need to ensure a nationwide and affordable offer of abortions. .
In many states there are too few hospitals and resident doctors who perform abortions. Women should take time off from work for an appointment or accept long journeys. In Vorarlberg there is currently only one doctor performing the procedure – he is about to retire. In this regard, a statement by state governor Barbara Schöbi-Fink caused a stir, according to which she opposes abortions in state hospitals.
Wanted more offer
In addition to the difficult access, Rauch also criticized the fact that an abortion had to be paid for privately: “All this adds an extra burden that makes it difficult for women to make a self-chosen, free decision.” Rauch, the states have a duty to improve the supply.
Source: Krone
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