Italy: Abortion debate intensifies, Meloni fuels national divisions

Under the leadership of Giorgia Meloni, Italy has emerged as a focal point for the abortion debate in Western Europe, with the prime minister being one of the most openly anti-abortion figures in the region.

Despite abortion being legal in the predominantly Catholic nation, which is home to the Vatican, access to the procedure remains fraught with challenges, highlighting the deepening divisions in Italian society.

The complexities surrounding abortion in Italy came to the forefront when Linda Feki, a 33-year-old singer and musician from Naples, bravely shared her personal experience of stigma and abuse during her abortion procedure. Her story resonated with many Italian women, who expressed solidarity through heartfelt messages. However, it also drew criticism and insults, underscoring the polarized atmosphere regarding reproductive rights under Meloni’s government.

“I decided to make my story public because I have a public profile, so maybe my voice could resonate more,” Feki explained to Reuters. “I felt a kind of responsibility as a citizen, but also as an artist, to convey the message that abortion is a right.”

In Italy, abortions are legally permitted within the first three months of pregnancy and later if the mother’s mental or physical health is severely at risk. However, bureaucratic hurdles, cultural stigmas, and practical obstacles often complicate access to these services.

Alarmingly, data from the health ministry reveals that approximately 63% of gynecologists in Italy identify as “conscientious objectors,” refusing to perform abortions on ethical grounds—a figure that exceeds 80% in certain southern regions.

Feki recounted her experience at Naples’ San Paolo hospital, where a gynecologist questioned her desire to terminate the pregnancy and suggested that she was further along than she had indicated. Following her challenge, the doctor insinuated infidelity, prompting Feki to seek confirmation from a private gynecologist, who verified that her pregnancy was indeed at an earlier stage.

Doctor Luigi Terracciano, head of Gynecology and Obstetrics at San Paolo, expressed regret over Feki’s experience and offered to meet with her to clarify the situation. However, Feki’s subsequent visit to Cardarelli Hospital proved equally distressing; she reported severe pain from pre-surgery medication without receiving adequate pain relief, and a “conscientious objector” nurse initially refused to respond to her call for help.

Reflecting on her ordeal, Feki wrote on Instagram, “It is heartbreaking to be reprimanded about my pregnancy by the surgeon and nurses immediately after surgery. There should be no judgment on a choice that is our right.”

A spokesperson for Cardarelli Hospital acknowledged Feki’s feedback, stating that they are open to improving patient care services and are in contact with her for further discussions.

Cultural battles over abortion have intensified since Meloni, Italy’s first female prime minister, took office in 2022. In her autobiography, “I am Giorgia,” she reveals her personal opposition to abortion, stemming from her own birth resulting from her single mother’s last-minute decision against the procedure. Although Meloni has vowed not to repeal the 1978 law that legalized abortion, she emphasizes the need for its fuller implementation, which includes preventive measures.

Her government has introduced legislation allowing “pro-motherhood” groups to advise women in abortion clinics, and recently proposed a monthly “motherhood income” of €1,000 ($1,084) for low-income pregnant women visiting these clinics. During a G7 summit in June, Meloni notably insisted on removing references to “safe and legal abortion” from the final statement, aiming to avoid offending Pope Francis, who has labeled abortion as “murder.”

The landscape of public opinion surrounding abortion is shifting, with anti-abortion groups becoming increasingly organized and vocal. Jacopo Coghe, a spokesperson for ProVita & Famiglia, which organizes the annual “We Choose Life” rally in Rome, noted that societal divisions have deepened under Meloni’s leadership. While he does not anticipate immediate changes to abortion laws, he hopes to sway public sentiment against abortion to pave the way for future repeal efforts.

In contrast, defenders of abortion rights argue that financial assistance for pregnant women should not come with stigma or psychological pressure.

Francesca Pierazzuoli, a psychologist overseeing abortion advice clinics in the greater Milan area, emphasized that their work is focused on providing unbiased support rather than persuasion.

Elisabetta Canitano, a veteran abortion rights advocate, criticized those who pressure women to continue unwanted pregnancies, stating they “have no idea of the hell they are pushing her into.”