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Abortion in Italy: how widespread ‘conscientious objection’ threatens women’s health and rights

Almost 40 years after abortion was legalised – amid mass protests and a broader cultural liberation movement – women still struggle to access crucial services Leggi questo articolo in italiano.

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A mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican

A mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Photo: Evandro Inetti/PA Images. All rights reserved.

Laura, from Naples, decided to terminate her pregnancy on 6 June 2008. The baby she was expecting had been diagnosed with down syndrome, she explains. “I was 21 weeks into my pregnancy, and I took this decision.”