Opposition party deputies have proposed amendments to the Sexual and Reproductive Health Law, suggesting the introduction of mandatory consultations in Latvia for women wishing to terminate a pregnancy voluntarily.
Deputies propose to supplement the law with the term "unborn life," which is understood as "the life of a human being beginning at the moment of fertilization — the fusion of male and female gametes."
Opposition politicians believe that the law should provide an opportunity for a pregnant woman who has decided to have an abortion, as well as the future father of the child, to undergo counseling with a specially trained specialist.
The deputies assert that their proposal does not imply a didactic or patronizing tone. The outcome of the consultation will not be predetermined — the decision remains with the pregnant woman.
Minister Against
Mandatory consultations, especially in the presence of third parties, can create emotional pressure. Therefore, consultations should be voluntary, stated Health Minister Hosam Abu Meri in a comment to the LETA agency.
The minister notes that it is particularly important to consider situations where a woman has experienced violence. "The requirement for the father of the child or another person to be present during the consultation in such cases may lead to re-traumatization rather than support," Abu Meri believes.
According to the minister, the World Health Organization and the UN Human Rights Council have repeatedly emphasized that states are obliged to provide sexual and reproductive health services that guarantee confidentiality and respect for personal choice.
"Mandatory consultations in the presence of third parties may contradict these principles," the minister noted.
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