After Roe vs Wade got overturned by the American Supreme Court in June 2022, all countries around the world have been pushed to look thoroughly at their legal situation concerning abortion rights. It was particularly the case in Italy, when the right coalition, who was running for and most likely to win the upcoming elections on 25th September 2022, was known to have controversial— to say the least— opinions on the topic.
Effective October 26th, new regulations allowing abortions up to 20 weeks stipulate an authorized medical practitioner's approval. This change elaborates on the amendment passed on February 7, 2021, which legalized terminating pregnancy within 12 weeks — the first trimester. Mothers who have been checked for health risks and obtained medical endorsement can now have the procedure done at hospitals or clinics. Some appreciate the stretch in freedom; some argue abortions be allowed at any point of the pregnancy period.
Female Genital Mutilation, also known as FGM, is an inhuman, gruesome, and painful practice where girls as young as five get their female genitals partially or completely removed, altered, or injured (UNFPA).
In many cultures such as in Somalia, this practice is normalized. Girls are pinned down by their “trusted” family members, their legs pulled apart, and the surgical procedure done without any anesthetics or painkillers. In an interview by VICE, a Singaporean FGM explains that the girl’s consent is often not considered in the practice, “The child is an extension of the parent. The parent owns the child and the child’s body.”
