Thursday April 10, 2003

SLOVAK CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS LAUNCH CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE AGAINST ABORTION

BRATISLAVA, April 10, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Slovak Christian Democratic Party (CDP) has launched a constitutional challenge against legal abortion. Last month the Parliament rejected a CDP bill seeking to ban most abortions.

A 1958 law, amended in 1986, allows for first trimester abortions (till 12 weeks). However, Article 15 of the country's 1992 constitution safeguards the right to life including the life of the unborn. The case is expected to be heard later this month.

Inspired by Slovak pro-lifers, a pro-life effort has commenced in the Czech Republic. However, pro-abortion activists who concede that right-to-life will likely prevail in Slovakia do not fear similar measures in the Czech Republic.

In comments to the Prague Post, Radim Uzel, executive director of the Czech Family Planning Association, said, "I'm afraid [Slovakia's ban will eventually be passed] because it is the so-called 'Polish Way.'" He noted the large role the Catholic Church played in the 1997 Polish law which ended almost all abortions in Poland - which is 90% Catholic. Slovakia with its 60% Catholic population may also pass the ban but in the Czech Republic, where the Catholics are slightly outnumbered by atheists, who make up 40% of the population, such a ban would be impossible, said Uzel.

See coverage from the Prague Post:
http://www.praguepost.com/P03/2003/Art/0410/news8.php

URL: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2003/apr/03041008.html

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