In Romania, although abortions are legal, access to them is becoming increasingly difficult. Most state hospitals do not offer abortion services, and private clinics are financially inaccessible for many women.

Alina Usurelu, an independent artist from Bucharest, struggled to find a state hospital for an abortion. Eventually, she was helped by the Independent Midwives Association (AMI – Asociatia Moastelor Independente), a nonprofit organization that supports women in such situations.

Historically, under the communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu, abortions were banned, leading to the deaths of approximately 10,000 women due to unsafe abortions. After 1989, abortion was legalized, but over the past decade, funding cuts and clinic closures have reversed many of the advancements.

Conservative groups and the Romanian Orthodox Church have influenced the restriction of access to abortion. Additionally, funding from conservative organizations in the U.S. continues to support anti-abortion efforts in Europe.

A recent survey by AMI showed that over 80% of public medical units do not offer abortion services, and many clinics refuse to refer women to other centers. Recent tragedies, such as the death of Alexandra Ivanov from an infection after being denied a medical abortion, highlight the severe consequences of these restrictions.

Organizations and activists continue to fight for reproductive rights, but challenges remain significant. Safe and legal access to abortions is essential for protecting the health and autonomy of women in Romania.

Source: https://newlinesmag.com/spotlight/access-to-abortion-is-shrinking-in-romania/