In a critical phase seems to be San Marino, as its citizens are called upon to decide whether they are in favor of legalizing abortion.
More than 35,000 voters have the right to vote in a referendum on a taboo issue, as today abortion is prohibited even in cases of rape, fetal deformity or danger to the mother.
At the initiative of the San Marino Women (UDS), a feminist organization of the 1970s and 1980s that revived in 2019, residents of the small state are asked to decide whether to allow women to have a free abortion until the 12th week of pregnancy. .
After 12 weeks, abortion will be allowed in case the mother’s life is threatened or when a deformity is found in the fetus “which poses a serious risk to the woman’s physical or mental health”.
Uncertain result
In the absence of polls, no one can predict the outcome of the referendum.
“We hope to win. The vast majority of young people are on our side because this is an issue that directly concerns their lives. It is unacceptable for women who are forced to have an abortion to be treated as criminals. “, estimated 60-year-old Francesca Nicolini, doctor and member of UDS.
Abortion is considered a crime in San Marino and carries a prison sentence of up to three years for the woman and six years for the doctor who treats her. However, there have never been convictions as San Marino women go to Italy for an abortion.
Divided citizens
The ruling Christian Democratic Party (PDCS) – which holds just over a third of the seats in parliament – is clearly against abortion and has called on citizens to vote “no” in the referendum to “defend the right to life”.
However, the issue goes beyond traditional political divisions.
“People are very divided on this issue. And even within parliament there are members of progressive parties that are against abortion and right-wing MPs who support it, especially in case of rape or deformity of the fetus. “, observed Manuel Siavata, Deputy Secretary of PDCS.
“I would say that about 50% of the 60 deputies are in favor and 50% against” of abortion, he added. Whatever the outcome, his party “Will respect the choice of the voters”, he assured.
If “yes” wins, it will be a radical change for San Marino, where the abortion ban dates back to 1865 and was confirmed under the fascist regime (1923-1943) and the 1974 penal code.
Social progress has always been slow in San Marino.
Women gained the right to vote in 1960, 14 years after those in Italy, and only in 1974 were they allowed to govern. Divorce was legalized in 1986, about 16 years after Italy.
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