La Storia dell'ABORTO fra Chiesa e movimento Femminista

Summary

The video explores the historical and legal evolution of abortion, highlighting how it was criminalized until the late 20th century. It discusses ancient practices, Church positions, and the legal changes in different countries, focusing on Italy's journey to the legalization of abortion in 1978. The video also touches on the societal and political conflicts surrounding abortion, including the role of the Catholic Church and feminist movements, as well as the 1981 referendum that upheld the law. The importance of defending abortion rights in light of recent U.S. legal changes is emphasized.

Takeaways

• 📅 Until 1978, abortion was considered a crime in Italy, punishable by imprisonment.
• ⚖️ Article 545 of the Criminal Code criminalized abortion, whether with or without the woman's consent.
• 🏺 Abortion has ancient roots, with historical evidence of the practice in ancient Egypt and Cambodia.
• 🇬🇷 In ancient Greece and Rome, abortion was widely accepted, provided the husband consented.
• ⛪ The Church’s firm opposition to abortion began in the 1500s with Pope Sixtus V labeling it as homicide.
• 🌍 The Soviet Union legalized abortion in 1920 to protect women's health, a pioneering move at the time.
• 🇮🇹 In Italy, Law 194 of 1978 legalized abortion within the first 90 days of pregnancy and later for health reasons.
• 💬 Public debates and demonstrations between the 1950s and 1970s pushed for abortion rights in Italy.
• 📜 A 1981 referendum upheld Law 194, ensuring continued access to legal abortions in Italy.
• ⚠️ The video warns that recent U.S. rulings on abortion could inspire similar challenges in Italy, urging vigilance to protect the right to choose.

Q & A

What was the legal status of abortion in Italy before 1978?

Before 1978, abortion was considered a crime in Italy. The Criminal Code specified severe punishments for both those who performed abortions and the women who consented to them.

How far back does the history of abortion practices date?

The history of abortion practices dates back to ancient times, with artistic depictions of abortions as early as 12 centuries B.C. in Cambodia and written evidence from ancient Egypt in the Ebers Papyrus around 1550 B.C.

What methods were historically used to induce abortion in ancient times?

Historically, abortions were induced through pointed utensils, abdominal pressure, and the consumption of specific drug mixtures, often leading to dangerous and sometimes fatal consequences for the woman.

What was the stance of the ancient Greeks and Romans on abortion?

Abortion was a common and accepted practice among the ancient Greeks and Romans, but only with the husband's consent. Abortions were performed using drugs, painful massages, and physical exercises.

When did the Catholic Church first take an official stance against abortion?

The Catholic Church first took an official stance against abortion during the Renaissance, around the end of the 1500s, when Pope Sixtus V condemned abortion as a homicidal act and prohibited it for all Christians.

How did abortion practices evolve in Soviet Russia in the early 20th century?

In 1920, Soviet Russia legalized abortion through a decree that aimed to protect women's health and eliminate dangerous illegal abortions. Abortions were allowed to be performed in Soviet hospitals at no cost.

What led to the eventual legalization of abortion in Italy in 1978?

The legalization of abortion in Italy was influenced by increasing attention to the issue in the 1950s and 60s, rising deaths from illegal abortions, and growing support from political parties. This culminated in the passing of Law 194 in 1978.

What does Law 194, passed in Italy in 1978, regulate?

Law 194 regulates the social protection of maternity and the voluntary interruption of pregnancy in Italy. It allows women to have an abortion within the first 90 days of pregnancy and in specific cases for therapeutic reasons up to the fourth or fifth month.

How did the Catholic Church respond to the debate on abortion in Italy?

The Catholic Church opposed abortion during the debate in Italy, reiterating its stance in Pope Paul VI’s encyclical 'Humanae Vitae' in 1968, which condemned both contraception and abortion while recognizing responsible fatherhood.

What were the results of the 1981 Italian referendum on abortion?

The 1981 Italian referendum included proposals to modify or repeal parts of Law 194 on abortion. The majority of voters rejected these changes, ensuring that the regulations established in 1978 remained unchanged.