Slovakia’s caretaker government opens abortion pill debate

After years of attempts to restrict reproductive rights in Slovakia – where the only legal way of accessing abortion is surgery under anaesthesia – the caretaker government is now considering abortion pills.

The government is considering medical abortions, a safe and non-invasive alternative to surgical abortions, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy.

“I cannot say at this point whether it will take two weeks or the summer holiday months, but we will address the issue,” said Health Minister Michal Palkovič. Prime Minister Ľudovít Ódor added he does not wish Slovakia would remain in the company of countries like Uganda, which do not provide medical abortion, for too long.

This progressive step comes after years of heated debates and discussions surrounding abortion in Slovakia. New draft laws meant to restrict abortion access under the guise of protecting women’s health are introduced every six months, the legal limit for re-introducing failed legislation.

By considering the use of the abortion pill, Slovakia’s new government is aligning itself with several European countries like France, the UK, Sweden, and many others who have successfully incorporated it into their healthcare systems, recognising its effectiveness and safety.

However, medical abortion is not available in countries such as Hungary, Poland, or Malta, with all forms of abortion, even if the mother’s life is in danger, being illegal in the latter.

The move caused an immediate backlash in the country’s conservative circles. The caretaker government promised not to get into “culturally-ethical” topics, which in Slovakia entails ideological discussions on LGBTI+ and reproductive rights.

The minister of health, however, claims it is a medical, not ideological discussion. He could introduce the policy single-handedly with a signed ordinance, but the minister wants to preface this with a debate among medical professionals.

(Barbara Zmušková | EURACTIV.sk)