Via this press conference on the eve of the first debate on numerical obstruction to abortion, which the government decided to examine in an accelerated procedure, Alliance VITA is willing to share its expertise on this subject, which is often badly handled.
Tugdual Derville, the association’s General Delegate, showed the gap between the government’s attitude, (which is very close to censuring those who fight against trivializing abortion), and the need for an abortion prevention policy, as an answer to the French people’s aspirations and expectations, particularly French women). He specifically underlined the latest survey results The French and Abortion, performed by IFOP at VITA’s request.
This press conference was also an opportunity to point out how far off target was the debate on abortion before the primary election for the right and the center candidates.
Abortion: let us clear up a misunderstanding
Caroline Roux and Valérie Boulanger, respectively responsible for Alliance VITA’s crisis center, and SOS Baby listening service, explained the situation on abortion, based on the reports from the women who call Alliance VITA’s listening service.
The website www.sosbebe.org is consulted more than 800,000 times a year. The SOS baby crisis center receives several thousands of calls from women or couples for issues related to pregnancy, mainly those concerning abortion. Alliance VITA’s experience shows that behind the obvious and massive trivialization of abortion, there are troublesome misconceptions between men and women which have been occulted, and need to be unveiled.
The debate on criminalizing numerical obstruction to abortion: an analysis by Henri de Soos
Henri de Soos, Alliance VITA’s General Secretary, proposed an analysis of this new offense being debated, in its current modification by the Social Affairs Committee at the French National Assembly.
He demonstrated to what extent the original law in 1975 had gradually lost all its provisions which were supposed to allow for an abortion prevention policy. Lastly, he disclosed that Alliance VITA had requested the government, on the same day, to delete from it’s website the video of an obstetrician gynecologist who asserts that abortion leaves no long term psychological side effects on women, which constitutes blatant misinformation.
Furthermore, the association announced that as of now, more than 45,000 individuals have already signed the petition against criminalizing numerical obstruction to abortion and in favor of clear adequate information on this subject.
An information campaign launched throughout France
Finally, Alliance VITA published the first results from its unusual survey and information campaign which had begun the day before.
Performed by 600 female volunteers from Alliance VITA investigating on men’s opinions on abortion, it shows the urgent need for men to become involved in preventing abortion, due to lingering misconceptions between men and women on sexuality, contraception, pregnancy and paternity.
The female volunteers who carried out the survey received an excellent welcome by the men. Their interest for the 24-page fold out leaflet specifically printed for them, confirms that it is appropriate to help men get involved, so that women will not be forced to abort against their will, under pressure from their partner or because of anxiety without having a sufficient period of time for reflection.
This unprecedented campaign was planned long ago. Alliance VITA, who has been publishing a guide for pregnant women containing the details of the benefits and support to which they are entitled, remains firm on its decision to inform women, thus performing a public service, in spite of a few politicians trying to gag them so that only those who trivialize abortion can voice their opinions.
