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The proposal to listen to the heartbeat of the fetus before abortion is aberrant: does this encourage birth rates?

The policies of Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, where abortion is considered a crime and women who practice it are punished, continue to inspire other political parties. In Rome, a proposal has been made to require doctors to show pregnant women the unborn child and make them listen to its heartbeat before undergoing an abortion. This initiative, supported by various associations, aims to discourage women from choosing to terminate their pregnancies. However, critics argue that it is inhumane and goes against women’s rights. Furthermore, these efforts to criminalize abortion are not new, as seen in the past with the discovery of fetus cemeteries. Instead of focusing on such initiatives, a more just and equitable policy to support the birth rate would be to address the gender pay gap and provide equal opportunities for women in the workforce.

The Abortion Debate in Hungary

The issue of abortion in Hungary has sparked a heated debate, with the policies of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s party serving as a source of inspiration. The country’s stance on abortion is controversial, as it considers it a crime and advocates for punishment of women who undergo the procedure. This has led to a polarizing discussion on the topic, with strong opinions on both sides.

Inspiration from Viktor Orban’s Policies

Viktor Orban’s party has been influential in shaping Hungary’s abortion policies. The government’s stance on the matter has drawn both support and criticism. Supporters argue that it aligns with their values and promotes a pro-life agenda. However, critics argue that it infringes upon women’s reproductive rights and fails to consider the complexities and personal circumstances surrounding each individual’s decision.

Proposal to Amend Law 194

In Rome, a proposal has been presented to amend Law 194, which regulates voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVG). The proposal suggests that doctors performing the examination prior to the procedure should be required to show the woman the unborn child through instrumental tests and make her listen to its heartbeat. This initiative, titled “A Beating Heart,” aims to discourage women from choosing abortion by evoking emotional responses. However, it has sparked controversy and debate regarding its effectiveness and ethical implications.

Emotional Impact on Women

The emotional toll on women who make the difficult decision to undergo an abortion is already significant. The proposal to show the woman the unborn child and make her listen to its heartbeat adds another layer of emotional torment. Critics argue that this approach fails to consider the individual circumstances and reasons behind a woman’s decision, and instead seeks to guilt and shame her. It is important to approach this sensitive topic with empathy and understanding, taking into account the complexities of each woman’s situation.

Efforts to Criminalize Abortion

There have been ongoing efforts to criminalize abortion, sparking intense debates and raising concerns about women’s reproductive rights. These initiatives aim to impose legal penalties on women who choose to terminate their pregnancies, further restricting access to safe and legal abortion services. The push to criminalize abortion has been met with both support and opposition, highlighting the deeply divided opinions on this contentious issue.

Previous Initiatives

This is not the first time that initiatives to criminalize abortion have emerged. In the past, there have been attempts to assign blame and guilt to women who have chosen to terminate their pregnancies. One notable example was the discovery of a cemetery for aborted fetuses, where the names of women who had undergone therapeutic abortions were written on the tombstones. These initiatives, often driven by religious or conservative beliefs, seek to stigmatize and shame women for their reproductive choices.

Fetus Cemeteries

A disturbing trend that has emerged is the establishment of fetus cemeteries in various regions. These cemeteries, promoted by certain religious associations, aim to give a symbolic resting place to aborted fetuses. While proponents argue that these cemeteries provide closure and recognition for the unborn, critics view them as a means to further stigmatize and shame women who have chosen to terminate their pregnancies. The establishment of fetus cemeteries raises questions about the prioritization of religious beliefs over women’s autonomy and reproductive rights.

Challenges for Families

Families face numerous challenges that can impact their financial stability and overall well-being. From taxes and financial burdens to gender pay gaps and employment issues, these challenges can have a significant impact on the lives of individuals and their families.

Taxes and Financial Burdens

One of the challenges faced by families is the burden of taxes and financial obligations. The latest budget law has introduced increased taxes on essential items such as diapers, sanitary pads, baby formula, and car seats. These additional expenses can put a strain on families, particularly those with limited financial resources. It is estimated that consumers will have to pay over 162 million euros more, further exacerbating the financial challenges faced by families.

Gender Pay Gap

The persistent gender pay gap poses a significant challenge for families. Women continue to face unjustified wage disparities, with data from the Observatory on private sector employees revealing differences in pay of up to 8 thousand euros per year. This gender pay gap not only perpetuates inequality but also impacts families’ financial stability. When women earn less than their male counterparts, it often leads to difficult decisions, such as sacrificing their own careers or reducing their working hours to prioritize family responsibilities.

Impact on Women’s Employment

The challenges faced by families also extend to the impact on women’s employment. Research shows that with the arrival of a second child, 90% of fathers continue to work, while one in two mothers leave their jobs. This shift to single-income households puts families at a greater risk of poverty and financial instability. To create a just and equitable environment that supports the birth rate, it is crucial to address the underlying factors that contribute to women leaving the workforce, such as the lack of affordable childcare options and the gender pay gap.

In conclusion, the proposal to show women the unborn child and make them listen to its heartbeat before undergoing an abortion is a cruel and inhumane initiative. It not only disregards the emotional torment that women already face when making such a choice, but also undermines their autonomy and rights. This proposal, coming from a party led by a woman, is even more aberrant and raises questions about its true intentions. Rather than focusing on policies that criminalize women and restrict their reproductive choices, a just and equitable policy to support the birth rate should address gender pay gaps and provide equal opportunities for women in the workforce. It is time to prioritize women’s rights and empower them, rather than reducing them to mere vessels for reproduction.

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