Pro and anti-abortion mobilize
Catholics gathered in Geneva on Saturday to denounce the political “single thought”, after a pro-choice rally Friday evening in Bern.
Catholics prayed in downtown Geneva against abortion in Switzerland.
KEYSTONE/MARTIAL TREZZINI
Supporters and opponents of the right to abortion are active in Switzerland after the recent decision in the United States. After a pro-choice rally on Friday evening in Bern, dozens of Catholics denounced the political “single thought” in Geneva on Saturday.
The organizers deplore the broad support in Switzerland for the right to abortion. “From the extreme left to the ranks of a few elected UDC”, according to them.
They greet former US President Donald Trump who had shown his opposition. He mainly appointed conservative judges to the Supreme Court, an initiative that led to the decision to revoke the right to abortion.
“What is happening in the United States can happen in Europe, in Switzerland,” said one of the three priests present who led a prayer for tens of minutes. On the other hand, among the onlookers, some were surprised, others angry at the demonstrators. “Shame on you,” slipped one person, adding that “it’s disgusting.”
More pro-abortion
The camp of the opponents seems less attractive than that of the defenders of abortion. Friday evening in Bern, nearly 500 people, according to the young socialists (JS), demonstrated on the Federal Square against the attacks on this right. This rally was notably organized by the JS, the Feminist Strike collective and the Socialist Women.
The JS oppose with all their might all popular initiatives announced or launched, they explained in a press release on Saturday. The gains made through the struggle must be preserved.
At the same time, Switzerland must move forward. The taboo surrounding terminations of pregnancy must be lifted and the subject must be addressed at school. Finally, the consultation centers recognized by the Confederation should receive more financial support.
Charter established recently
The current debate focuses in particular on the Penal Code. The demonstrators in Geneva believe that “the situation of distress” allows abortions beyond 12 weeks, 5% of the total of voluntary terminations of pregnancy according to them.
A few weeks ago, Swiss Sexual Health (SSCH) launched a Charter so that “abortion is above all considered a health issue and no longer a criminal matter”. A parliamentary initiative for the deletion of this in the Penal Code has yet to be discussed.
On Tuesday, several hundred people had already called in Geneva to defend the right to abortion after the decision of the American Supreme Court to dismantle it. Signs like “You will not stop abortion, but safe abortion” or “Ban abortion is murder” could be observed. Several rallies had taken place in Switzerland.
Posted today at 3:26 p.m.
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