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Vol. 81/No. 6 February 13, 2017
Protest hits midwife’s suit for religious exemption from performing
abortions
BY EMMA JOHNSON
“We must protect the democratic right of every woman to decide over
her own body,” newly graduated midwife Pinar Dal told a Jan. 26 rally in
defense of abortion rights in the city of Malmo in southern Sweden.
According to the local press, some 300 people turned out for the action.
It took place on the second day of a trial in the Labor Court, where
midwife Ellinor Grimmark has sued a local government claiming
discrimination. Grimmark was denied employment at three area hospitals
after declaring that she would not participate in abortions, prescribe
the morning-after pill or insert copper intrauterine devices.
In Sweden abortion is a legal right through the 18th week of pregnancy.
Abortion and contraceptive care are covered by general health insurance
and performed in hospitals or other medical facilities. Licensed
doctors, nurses and midwives are obligated to provide the services as
part of their profession.
Grimmark is backed legally and financially by the U.S.-based Alliance
Defending Freedom. Her case is part of an international campaign by
abortion opponents to pressure governments in Sweden and elsewhere in
Europe to give health care workers the right to refuse to provide care
based on their religion.
A district court and the “equality ombudsman” have previously ruled
against Grimmark. If the Labor Court rules against her, the ADF has said
it will take the case to the European Court of Human Rights in
Strasbourg, France.
“We should have equal care for all in Sweden,” Dal told the rally. “The
patient needs to govern, not health professionals’ religious faith.”
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