On the feminist day of struggle, the initiative calls for the deletion of paragraph 96 from the criminal law for real self-determination in abortions.
Vienna (OTS) – The time limit regulation has existed for 50 years. Although this was an important milestone for the rights of unintentionally pregnant women, #AusPrinzip calls for significant improvements in Austria, such as the deletion of Section 96 from the Criminal Code, which criminalizes abortion. In addition, the broad network requires costs to be covered by the health insurance company and comprehensive care.
Numerous supporters have gathered behind the #AusPrinzip initiative, which was launched in May 2023, including women’s representatives from the SPÖ, the Greens and NEOS.
Eva-Maria Holzleitner, deputy. Club chairwoman and women’s chairwoman of the SPÖ warns of anti-feminist setbacks that can currently be seen everywhere: “We are seeing a backlash worldwide when it comes to reproductive rights. Authoritarian governments, religious representatives and conservative forces believe that they can determine women’s bodies. We clearly oppose this and fight to ensure that ‘My body belongs to me’ is not an empty phrase, but rather an inviolable fundamental right. To ensure this, abortion in Austria must be moved out of criminal law and into health law, as a matter of principle!”
The deputy Club chairwoman and Green Women’s Chairwoman Meri Disoski joins #AusPrinzip’s demands for a feminist day of struggle. “Our mothers and grandmothers fought for the deadline solution and implemented it against bitter resistance. 50 years later, we are still fighting for the legalization of abortion and for these medical procedures to be carried out free of charge throughout Austria and in public hospitals close to home. Stop the unspeakable criminalization, paragraph 96 must finally be deleted from the criminal code.”
Henrike Brandstötter, spokeswoman for women and equal treatment at NEOS, emphasizes the importance of unrestricted access to abortion. “Sexual and physical self-determination and integrity must be the top goal of women’s and equality policy. Preventing abortion does not work through restricting access to abortion. Quite the opposite: We need comprehensive care for all women. Self-determination also includes good sex education lessons,” said the member of the National Council.
#AusPrinzip has an impact far beyond March 8th. The network of experts, politicians and feminists from civil society is growing every day. Stefanie Grubich, co-initiator of #AusPrinzip, is pleased about the broad support. “Together we demand the complete decriminalization of abortions and we will not be quieter as long as abortions are associated with horrendous costs and journeys across Austria,” concluded the Viennese.
Statements of support can be made via the website at ausprinciple.at/mitmachen.
Questions & Contact:
Lukas Bickel
+43 676 503 2682
bickel@pbagentur.at
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