In Tyrol, only one doctor offers abortions. What does he say about the renewed and heated social discussion about contact points in hospitals? And what does he think of the weekend’s demonstrations?
Hans Joachim Wolf is currently the only doctor in Tyrol who performs abortions in his practice. For 19 years he has been guiding women with conflict pregnancies, among other things. What does he say about the debate about abortion that flared up again in the hospitals and the demonstrations in Innsbruck?
Doctors don’t like public debate
The doctor is not happy with the public discussion and the street actions, he emphasizes when asked by the “Tiroler Krone”. His fear: “If the subject is used too much politically and by the media, the preconditions for the affected women could deteriorate under certain circumstances.”
“Women can quickly get an appointment for a consultation”
He currently sees no blatant shortage of women with conflict pregnancies in Tyrol: “It’s true, I am officially the only specialist who performs abortions. However, women who seek our help always receive an appointment within a week for a comprehensive, humane and medically correct explanation and – if requested and possible – an appointment for an operation in the same week, or at the latest the following week.”
Wolf admits that he previously worked “without a network” – so without permanent representation. But for that and for his successor when he retires, a concept is being developed.
Concern about additional pressure on women
Whether an abortion is performed in an operating room or in a public hospital outpatient clinic probably plays a minor role, says Wolf. However, he sees the danger that opponents of abortion will position themselves in front of their own outpatient clinics, putting women under extra pressure.
Wolf describes the Austrian law on a time-bound solution as a model: “I certainly do not want to see developments such as are currently taking place in Eastern European countries or even in America (to ban abortion). Women in Austria really don’t deserve that.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
