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Anti-abortion protests in Rome last month
The impact of the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of women’s constitutional right to abortion can be felt around the world. Activists on both sides of the debate have been explaining what it means to them.
Our reporters in Italy, El Salvador, India, Ireland and Canada reported on the repercussions they felt locally.
US touches Italy’s ‘sore spot’
Mark Lowen
In 1978, five years after Roe v. Wade, Italy legalized abortion with Law No. 194. While it’s not the same sensitive political issue, the rise of new far-right conservative politics, closer to the Catholic Church, has brought it back into focus. The U.S. Supreme Court ruling also reverberated in Italy.
The political left and the center have issued unanimous condemnations and warnings. Emma Bonino, a left-wing former foreign minister who helped pass Law 194, said the bill showed Italy was at risk of backsliding and “losing what appears to be a permanent achievement”.
But among the right, some are heartened.
“A great victory,” said Simone Pillon, from the far-right league, and said he hoped Italy and Europe would follow suit.
But his party leader Matteo Salvini was markedly more nuanced, saying he believed in “the value of life…but when it comes to pregnancy, the final decision belongs to women”. This may be a realization that most Italians say they still support abortion rights.
While restrictions on abortion are unlikely here, Law 194 allows doctors to refuse abortions in conscience. Nationwide, about 70 percent of doctors now refuse to perform abortions. In some regions, the rate is as high as 90%.
With the Vatican right in Italy’s backyard, Italy tends to lag behind on social issues such as LGBT rights. A lot of people are proud that people fought for abortion decades ago and that it was written into law. But for some, it’s a sore spot that America’s decision will touch.
Ireland responded enthusiastically
Emma Vardy
BBC correspondent fromIreland
Across the island of Ireland, the U.S. Supreme Court decision sparked a swift and enthusiastic response. In a place where abortion was legalized relatively late, the issue inspires deep emotions. There are many outspoken Irish activist groups and activists on both sides.
“The world continues to watch America change beyond recognition,” University lecturer Dr. Jennifer Cassidy said on Twitter. She was in Dublin in 2018 as people cheered the Republic of Ireland’s vote to legalize abortion.
Many of those who support the legalization of abortion have been reliving the memories of that day, and now they express their horror at what they have witnessed in the United States.
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In 2012, Savita Halappanavar died of sepsis in Ireland because she was not allowed to terminate her pregnancy. Today, her story is widely shared in Ireland, where Americans are warned to prepare for many similar deaths.
In 2012, Savita Halappanavar died of sepsis in Ireland because she was not allowed to terminate her pregnancy. Today, her story is widely shared in Ireland, where Americans are warned to prepare for many similar deaths.
Grainne Taggart of Amnesty International said it was a “shameful decision”. She had fought for abortion rights in Northern Ireland.
But campaigners disappointed by the legalisation of abortion in Ireland have rallied.
Bernie Smyth is one of Northern Ireland’s most prominent anti-abortion campaigners. “It’s a wake-up call for us,” she said. “We can learn a lot from what’s happening in America.”
“My personal hope for the future is that one day we will also overturn this legislation. I think this movement in America is very sensible. It brings a lot of hope and the battle continues.”
Conservative groups are bolder
Will Grant
BBC correspondentfrom El Salvador
Feeling that abortion trends in Latin America are starting to turn, many reproductive rights advocates now fear that things will get worse after the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade.
“This will encourage the most conservative groups in our country, who have consistently denied women’s rights,” said Mariana Moisa, a pro-abortion rights activist in El Salvador. In El Salvador, abortion is prohibited in all circumstances, including threats to the mother’s life, rape or incest.
Meanwhile, anti-abortion politicians who control El Salvador’s parliament have welcomed the change and insist their stance on abortion remains the dominant view in the Americas.
While the Supreme Court’s decision concerns only U.S. state law, the U.S. continues to wield enormous influence over Central America. Moisa said the message of the ruling was clear.
“It’s a shame. It’s a step backwards that shows the contempt and indifference to women around the world.”
“A devastating setback”
Robin Levinson-King
BBC correspondent fromToronto
Canada generally doesn’t like to meddle in the affairs of its neighbor (and its largest trading partner).
But when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, progressive-leaning Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau bluntly said it was a “devastating step backward” for women and that the consequences were “horrific.”
“Frankly, this is an attack on the freedom and rights of everyone,” Trudeau said at the Commonwealth of Nations summit in Kigali, Rwanda.
Abortion has been decriminalized in Canada since 1983, but access to abortion services is not a guaranteed right. In many areas, women have to drive for hours to get an abortion.
There are plenty of people who oppose abortion in Canada, but the issue isn’t as politicized as it is in southern Canada.
Right Now, a Canadian anti-abortion group, tweeted that it was a “truly historic day for our friends in America.”
“America is a model for the world”
Geeta Pandey
Gender justice activists in India described the ruling as a “huge setback for women’s rights” and said it was influenced by “Victorian morality”.
Dr. Veena JS, who teaches medical ethics to doctors, is an activist and professor of forensic science. She said the Roe v. Wade ruling would not only affect women’s reproductive rights in the United States, but would have ripple effects around the world.
“The US is a model for the world in general, and I fear that at some point India may take a cue from them and introduce similar legislation,” she said. “We will be forced to raise children we don’t want.”
This can affect the physical and mental health of women and children, Wiener said.
“Studies show an increase in postpartum psychosis and depression among women who are forced into childbirth. These ‘unwanted’ children also have poorer quality of life.”
Abortion has been legal in India since 1971, albeit with some restrictions. This is especially done to curb female abortions in a patriarchal country.
But the general lack of awareness among women, the stigma associated with the topic, and the reluctance of doctors to perform abortions out of religious or moral beliefs means that most abortions are still performed outside of registered medical facilities.