A group of Lithuanian lawmakers from the ruling bloc and the opposition have proposed legalising abortions by law, saying the current regulation that allows terminating pregnancies was confusing.
The bill stipulates that abortion can be carried out surgically or medically, and that the service of medically assisted termination can be provided remotely at a pregnant woman's request.
"A modern approach is still lacking in the field of termination of pregnancy: the medical abortion method is still rarely used due to legal uncertainties, and women are still forced to choose surgical abortion more often," the explanatory note to the bill says.
The proposed time limits would remain the same – pregnancies may be terminated up to the 12 weeks, and up to the 22 weeks in the case of medical indications.
Abortions could also be carried out up to 22 weeks after rape or in the case of pregnancy resulting from incest.
The bill also provides for the provision of assistance to survivors of sexual violence, including free medical, psychological and social assistance, specialised support centres throughout the country, and emergency contraception.
The bill also aims to ensure that public sexual education is comprehensive, and science-based and includes information on reproductive health, contraception, abortion, prevention of sexually transmitted infections and promotion of reproductive health.
The proposal also includes science- and human rights-based, inclusive and equitable sexuality education, taking into account the recommendations of the World Health Organization and reproductive health science institutions.
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