During the week of turmoil over the vote to incorporate the right to abortion in the French Constitution, someone has brought attention to what is going on in Italy. Thus, he obtained confirmation that the number of voluntary abortions in Italy has decreased by more than two-thirds, in part due to the passage of law 194 more than four decades ago. In 1983, there were 18 voluntary pregnancy terminations per thousand women of reproductive age; today, there are five. Voluntary abortion in Italy is among the lowest in Western countries, yet it remains somewhat prevalent among immigrant women. Prior to the passage of Law 194, it was estimated that up to 200,000 clandestine abortions occurred each year; presently, there are only 10,000. The law is effective not because it decriminalizes abortion, but because it often prevents it. In one year, 58,000 women were interviewed at 1,600 public counselling clinics; 38,000 received the certificate allowing them to end their pregnancies, while 20,000 gave up after the interview. Both goals, to reduce abortions and bring them out of hiding, have been met. The growing popularity and effectiveness of contraception, including the sale of half a million morning-after pills each year, has undoubtedly made a significant impact. Contraception use rises in tandem with education levels, making it the most effective counter to a heinous decision like abortion.
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