There are currently two referendums underway in Austria that aim to end the paternalism of women with an unwanted pregnancy.
We are calling for abortion to be removed from the Criminal Code (Section 96) and for the abortion pill to be dispensed without a prescription.
Information on the two referendums
Abortion Penal Code paragraphs to be deleted
Since 1768, abortion has been prohibited under threat of imprisonment, currently still punishable by one year in prison.
To mark the 50th anniversary of the time limit solution, it is now time to repeal Section 96 – which dates back to the monarchy – without replacement.
Parliament should now decide to remove abortion from the Criminal Code without replacement, as Canada already did in 1988.
Abortion pill over the counter
The lack of access to abortion in many parts of Austria is a major burden for many women. The right to an abortion must not be dependent on financial means or place of residence.
This is why making the abortion pill (Mifegyne) available in pharmacies without a prescription is an important and necessary measure.
Parliament should therefore adopt the (constitutional) legal measures for the over-the-counter distribution of the abortion pill.
Time to act
Consistently, it is monarchies, dictators and warring states that prohibit abortion and contraception.
In a modern democracy, there must be no paternalism towards women!
We have the right to abortion!
Historical background and facts about abortion in Austria
(Information in german language)
