VILNIUS - During the nationwide coronavirus quarantine, introduced on March 16, healthcare institutions are no longer providing non-essential services. Some healthcare institutions in Lithuania have included abortion services in the non-essential list of services.
During a press conference on Wednesday, when asked what women who need an abortion should do, Health Minister Aurelijus Veryga said it could be an occasion for women to “reconsider” their choice.
“I'd urge families and women to be responsible and not to use methods that are illegal or could harm their health,” Veryga said.
“And in cases where clinics decide not to provide pregnancy termination services, this could be an occasion for families or women to consult once more with doctors, psychologists and use the moment to reconsider their decision, decide not to terminate pregnancy,” he added.
Nine members of parliaments that make up EPF's Executive Committee responded with a letter addressed to the Minister of Health, as well as the Lithuanian President, Speaker of Seimas, Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition.
A lockdown is not a reason to restrict women's and girl’s reproductive rights, including the possibility of terminating a pregnancy.
Abortion is an individual decision for each woman which does not require the approval of politicians and, furthermore guaranteed by Lithuanian law. In these difficult times it is improper to impose unnecessary restrictions on women’s access to legal health care services particularly when these are time sensitive.
We therefore urge the Minister of Health of the Republic of Lithuania to respect the right of women to make autonomous decisions about their own bodies and reproductive functions, which are at the very core of their fundamental right to equality and privacy concerning intimate matters of physical and psychological integrity.