Health
New Law in Sicily Challenges Italy’s Abortion Taboos
Catania, Italy, July 14 (Reuters) – In October 2022, Monia, a woman in her early forties from Sicily, was thrilled to learn she was expecting her first child. But joy turned to heartbreak when genetic testing — recommended because of her age — revealed a serious foetal syndrome. Seeking guidance, she approached her gynaecologist, only to discover he was a conscientious objector who refused to perform abortions on moral grounds.
Monia’s situation reflects a broader challenge in Sicily, where more than 80% of gynaecologists — one of the highest rates in Italy — opt out of providing abortions due to moral or religious beliefs. This is despite abortion being legal in Italy since 1978, permitted within the first 90 days of pregnancy, or later in cases of maternal health risks or foetal abnormalities.
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To address limited access, Sicily’s regional council, led by a centre-right coalition, passed a law in late May requiring all public hospitals to set up dedicated abortion wards and hire staff willing to perform the procedure.
When Monia sought an abortion at Sant’Antonio Abate hospital in Trapani, she was met with minimal support: an obstetrician provided only a mattress cover and instructed she would be given pills every three hours until labour was induced, without further assistance. After five days and a change in medication, she miscarried under the care of a doctor and a midwife. Hospital staff referred to her case as “Article 6” — the legal provision allowing abortions after 90 days.
The hospital later expressed regret over her experience and said it could not verify details as the key administrators had since left. It now employs three non-objecting doctors and provides abortion services.
Across Sicily, only about half of public hospitals offer abortion services, compared to 70% in northern and central Italy. Cultural conservatism in the south, combined with staffing shortages and poor working conditions, contributes to high objection rates.
Some doctors, like Catania-based Fabio Guardalà, refuse abortions entirely, arguing that “a doctor’s job is to heal” and describing the procedure as “killing.” Others point to inadequate staffing and low pay as additional deterrents.
Abortion remains a deeply divisive issue in Italy, where Catholic influence runs strong and right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has supported measures such as allowing pro-life groups into abortion counselling clinics. Nationally, over 60% of gynaecologists are conscientious objectors, and abortion numbers have declined from 110,000 in 2011 to 65,000 in 2022.
While the new Sicilian law aims to improve access, some anti-abortion groups argue it discriminates against objectors and may face legal challenges. Activists like Giorgia Landolfo welcome the legislation but warn that enforcement will be difficult. Opponents, meanwhile, say resources should focus on supporting pregnant women rather than expanding abortion access.
“Life is life from the moment of conception,” said Margherita La Rocca, a Forza Italia lawmaker in Sicily. “The foetus cannot just be considered a clump of cells when it’s convenient.”
