After a referendum that took place last Sunday, the small country of San Marino approved with a big difference the legalization of abortion.

Newsroom (September 30, 2021, 9:50 PM, Gaudium Press) After years of trying, the pro-abortion parties of the Republic of San Marino carried out a plebiscite in favor of the termination of pregnancy. The voter turnout reached 41.11%, some 35,411 voters, and legalization was approved with 77.3%. The party that currently governs the country foresees a bill in a few months.

Until then, San Marino alongside countries such as the Vatican, Malta, and Andorra prohibited any form of abortion and women could be penalized with up to 3 years in prison and 6 years for the doctor.

Last Sunday’s referendum comprised the liberation of abortion up to the 12th week of gestation. If a serious risk to the mother or deformation of the child is found, the termination of pregnancy can also be carried out after the first 12 weeks.

Abortionists declare: “It’s a victory over the Catholic Church”

Karen Pruccoli, president of the UDS (Union of women of San-Marino “Unione Donne Sammarinese”) organization that carried out the referendum project, rejoiced with the result: “it is the victory of all the women of San-Marino over the conservatives and reactionaries who believe that women have no right” and added, ” it is a victory over the Catholic Church, which was our adversary, and tried everything to prevent the result.”

The pro-life association “One of Us” ran a polemical campaign in favor of life and against holding the referendum. The association called for an examination of conscience in posters scattered around the city depicting a boy with Down’s syndrome who questions passersby: “I am an anomaly, therefore do I have fewer rights than you? Vote no!” (FM)

Compiled by Sarah Gangl