On the platform ManaBalss.lv, 10,000 signatures have been collected against the idea of introducing mandatory consultations before abortion, allowing this initiative to be submitted to parliament, LETA reports.
As of October 17, at least 10,880 people have signed the initiative.
As previously reported, deputies from the National Alliance (NA) and the party "Latvia First" (LPM) Jurģis Klotiņš (NA), Jānis Grasbergs (NA), and Ramona Petraviča (LPM) submitted proposals to amend the Law on Sexual and Reproductive Health, including a call to introduce mandatory consultations for women wishing to terminate a pregnancy voluntarily in Latvia.
However, the responsible committee of the Saeima has already rejected these proposals. Additionally, the parties in the ruling coalition previously agreed not to support amendments to the law that would restrict the right to abortion. The ombudsman has also opposed such amendments.
Before the committee's decision, the author of the submitted initiative "A Woman's Choice! No to Mandatory Consultations Before Abortion!" Maria Ushkanova urged the Saeima to reject proposals that would require mandatory consultations for the woman and the presumed father before terminating a pregnancy at the woman's request, as well as a ban on the doctor issuing a referral without confirmation of having undergone the consultation.
"Such changes would limit a woman's autonomy and create additional obstacles in situations where quick and safe medical decisions are necessary. Latvia already has a 72-hour reflection period and voluntary counseling — this is a balanced and dignity-respecting regulation," emphasizes Ushkanova.
The goal of the initiative is to maintain the existing order: voluntary consultations and a reflection period, as well as to strengthen the system of voluntary psychological and social support, rather than introducing mandatory mechanisms.
Representatives of the initiative call on the Ministry of Health and professional associations to continue working on developing voluntary and accessible consultations, including anonymous options and assistance for victims of violence.
