Swiss vote for abortion

The population of Switzerland has voted overwhelmingly in favour of abortion, overturning the results of a previous referendum, to the delight of women’s rights groups and to the consternation of the Christian Democrats.

The result of the referendum, announced on Sunday, was 72% in favour (28% against) the voluntary interruption until 12 weeks of pregnancy. All of Switzerland’s Cantons, except two (Apenzel-Rodes Interior and Valais) voted in favour.

The result was hailed as a major breakthrough for Swiss society by the Socialist Party and Socialist Women of Switzerland, who declared that “the voice of reason finally imposed itself over the voluntary interruption of pregnancy”.

Socialist Party President Christiane Brunner stated that “Switzerland finally abandoned the image of the woman that has existed since the Middle Ages and has entered a new era”.

Christian democrat party (PDC) Philipp Sthelin, on the other hand, said “We are not happy, but we accept the people’s decision. The Swiss opted for the wrong solution”. The PDC wanted a decision to terminate pregnancy to be accompanied by a compulsory consultation in an independent family planning clinic, which was ruled out by the electorate.

Timothy BANCROFT-HINCHEY PRAVDA.Ru