Polish women for abortion to Sweden?

On 16 January 2007, the Swedish Christian Democratic Party Leader Göran Hägglund, who is the Minister of Health and Social Affairs, promised an amendment to the current abortion law in Sweden. In a speech he promised government bill that would make it possible for women from all countries in the world to travel to Sweden to have an abortion on demand, for any reason and free of charge, during the first 18 weeks of pregnancy. During the same
speech, mr Göran Hägglund also declared that there were no plans to lower the 18-week-limit.

The exact content of the government bill is still unknown, except for the promise that the Swedish law on abortion will be amended to enable also women from other countries, who are not Swedish citizens, do not have residence in Sweden, and are not seeking asylum in Sweden, to have an
abortion in Sweden.


Facts


In Sweden, abortion on demand is permitted during the first 18 weeks of pregnancy.

For an abortion during 19 through 22 weeks of pregnancy, the National Board of Health and Welfare has to authorize the procedure. During 2005, 87% of the nearly 400 requests were granted (the current legislation permits only women who are Swedish citizens, or have residence in Sweden, or are seeking asylum in Sweden, to have an
abortion in Sweden.)

Sweden already has the most liberal abortion legislation in Europe during the first 18 weeks of pregnancy. The recently proposed legislation would make Swedish abortion on demand available to women from all other countries,
regardless of their country`s standing legislation.


Consequences of the proposed legislation


If Sweden follows through with the promised amendment of
the Abortion law, it will become the only nation in the EU where abortion on demand is permitted during the first 18 weeks of pregnancy, eligible to all women in the EU.
The Commission of Inquiry, appointed by the Swedish government, has submitted its report Abortion in Sweden. This report underlies the government bill and states that it will be sufficient if one doctor claims that the abortion is necessary care, as opposed to planned care, in
order for the abortion to be performed immediately and at no cost for the woman. The Social Insurance Office in Sweden will require payment from the equivalent to the Social Insurance Office, in her home country


Kamil Szczęch