Abortion in Greece

= Abortion in Greece =

Introduction

Abortion in Greece is a legal medical procedure that has been regulated by law since 1986. The legal framework surrounding abortion in Greece reflects the country's approach to reproductive rights and healthcare. This article provides an overview of the legal, medical, and social aspects of abortion in Greece.

Legal Framework

Abortion in Greece is governed by Law 1609/1986, which was enacted on June 3, 1986. This law permits abortion under certain conditions and outlines the circumstances under which it can be legally performed.

Conditions for Legal Abortion

Under Greek law, abortion is permitted:

• On request, up to 12 weeks of gestation.
• Up to 19 weeks of gestation if the pregnancy is the result of rape, incest, or another form of sexual assault.
• Up to 24 weeks of gestation if there is a serious threat to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman or if there is a significant risk of fetal abnormalities.

Consent and Counseling

For women under the age of 18, parental consent is required. Additionally, the law mandates that women seeking an abortion must receive counseling to ensure they are fully informed about the procedure and its implications.

Medical Aspects

Abortion services in Greece are provided by both public and private healthcare facilities. The procedure can be performed using medical or surgical methods, depending on the gestational age and the woman's health.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion involves the use of pharmaceutical drugs to terminate a pregnancy. It is typically used in the early stages of pregnancy, up to 9 weeks of gestation. The most common regimen involves the administration of mifepristone followed by misoprostol.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion methods include vacuum aspiration and dilation and curettage (D&C). These procedures are generally performed in a hospital or clinic setting and may require local or general anesthesia.

Social and Cultural Context

Abortion in Greece is a topic that intersects with cultural, religious, and social values. Greece is a predominantly Orthodox Christian country, and the Orthodox Church traditionally opposes abortion. However, public opinion on abortion is diverse, with many Greeks supporting the right to choose.

Public Opinion

Surveys indicate that a significant portion of the Greek population supports the availability of legal abortion, particularly in cases where the woman's health is at risk or in instances of rape or incest. However, there are also segments of the population that advocate for more restrictive abortion laws.

Access to Services

Access to abortion services can vary depending on geographic location, with urban areas generally having more facilities and resources than rural regions. Efforts to improve access to reproductive healthcare continue to be a focus for public health policy.

Conclusion

Abortion in Greece is legally permitted under specific conditions, reflecting a balance between individual rights and societal values. The legal framework ensures that women have access to safe and regulated abortion services, while also providing for counseling and informed consent. As with many countries, the topic of abortion remains a complex and evolving issue within Greek society.

References

• Law 1609/1986, Greek Government Gazette.
• "Abortion Policies: A Global Review," United Nations Population Division.
• "Public Opinion on Abortion in Greece," Pew Research Center.