title: Conscientious objection in Italy.
abstract: The law regulating abortion in Italy gives healthcare practitioners the option to make a conscientious objection to activities that are specific and necessary to an abortive intervention. Conscientious objectors among Italian gynaecologists amount to about 70%. This means that only a few doctors are available to perform abortions, and therefore access to abortion is subject to constraints. In 2012 the International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network (IPPF EN) lodged a complaint against Italy to the European Committee of Social Rights, claiming that the inadequate protection of the right to access abortion implies a violation of the right to health. In this paper I will discuss the Italian situation with respect to conscientious objection to abortion and I will suggest possible solutions to the problem.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Minerva
mesh_terms: D000024:Abortion, Illegal / Q000941:ethics*; D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D044363:Contraception, Postcoital / Q000941:ethics; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011634:Public Health / Q000941:ethics*; D011640:Public Policy; D016079:Refusal to Treat / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012067:Religion; D016387:Women's Health; D014933:Women's Rights