Vulneración de Derechos Fundamentales por práctica de la interrupción voluntaria del embarazo en una comunidad autónoma distinta a la de residencia: comentario a la Sentencia 78/2023, de 3 de julio de 2023, del Tribunal Constitucional / [Violation of Fundamental Rights due to the practice of voluntary interruption of pregnancy in an autonomous community other than that of residence: comment on Sentence 78/2023, of July 3, 2023, of the Constitutional Court]

El presente trabajo estudia la Sentencia 78/2023, de 3 de julio de 2023, del Tribunal Constitucional, que analiza la práctica de interrupción voluntaria del embarazo en una comunidad autónoma distinta a la de residencia. La cuestión principal radica en apreciar una vulneración a la garantía de interrumpir voluntariamente el embarazo dentro de los supuestos legales, como parte del contenido constitucionalmente protegido del derecho fundamental a la integridad física y moral (art. 15 CE). (AU)

This paper studies Judgement 78/2023, of 3 July 2023, of the Constitutional Court, which analyzes the practice of voluntary termination of pregnancy in an autonomous community other than that of residence. The main question lies in assessing a violation of the guarantee of voluntary termination of pregnancy within the legal circumstances, as part of the constitutionally protected content of the fundamental right to physical and moral integrity (art. 15 CE). (AU)

[Acceptance of voluntary termination of pregnancy in the French 18-to-24-year-old population in 2021]. / Acceptation du recours à l'interruption volontaire de grossesse chez les Français de 18­24 ans en 2021.

OBJECTIVES: report on acceptance of voluntary interruption of pregnancy in 2021 in the French 18-to-24-year-old population and to compare the results with the acceptance reported in 2014 in the Institut Français d'Opinion Publique survey. METHODS: A French cross-sectional study with questionnaires administered between February and April 2021. The target population was 18 to 24 years of age. For purposes of comparison, the question on acceptance of voluntary interruption of pregnancy was basically the same as that of the 2014 Institut Français d'Opinion Publique survey, as were the proposed response modalities. Data were described in terms of means ± standard deviation and number (percentage). Conditions for acceptance of voluntary interruption of pregnancy were compared with the results of the 2014 Institut Français d'Opinion Publique survey using the Chi-square test. Factors associated with acceptance of voluntary interruption of pregnancy without restrictive conditions were studied using univariate analysis (Student, Chi-square or Fisher exact tests) and multivariate analysis (logistic regression). RESULTS: Close to 2000 (1936) questionnaires were completed, including 1225 among 18-to-24-year-olds. Voluntary interruption of pregnancy was accepted without restrictive conditions by 92.1% of the study population (95%CI: 90.4-93.5) compared to 79.0% in 2014 (p < 0.0001). Female gender (93.4 % versus 85.8%; OR = 2.1 [1.4-3.4]; p = 0.0009) and residence outside of Paris (94.9% versus 86.6%; OR = 2.8 [1.9-4.3]; p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with acceptance of voluntary interruption of pregnancy without restrictive conditions. CONCLUSION: In 2021 in France, the 18-to-24-year-old population is massively favorable to voluntary interruption of pregnancy without restrictive conditions, in a significantly higher proportion than in 2014.

Voluntary interruption of pregnancy (VIP) in Italy: interpretation of the current situation according to the report 2019-2020 of the Italian Ministry of Health.

Abstract: Voluntary interruption of pregnancy (VIP) in Italy is regulated by Law no. 194/1978. Its monitoring is carried out by the VIP Epidemio-logical Surveillance System, which periodically analyses the results of questionnaires compiled by the territorial healthcare structures and sent by each Region. The latest report, covering the years 2019 and 2020, highlights the adequacy of preventive and proactive strategies, an improvement in the quality and effectiveness of the service offered. Furthermore, considering the COVID-19 pandemic, the reorganization of the IVG application guidelines showed a considerable adaptation to the emergency context through measures such as the increase in pharmacological procedures compared to surgical procedures. The interpretation of the data shows that in Italy there is one of the lowest VIP rates in Europe, reflecting the effectiveness of campaigns that promote responsible procreation. Further implementations should be extended to the foreign population, which still shows a medium-high VIP rate. The efficiency of the service offered resulted to be high. The latter was assessed considering the waiting period required for the performance of the VIP procedure. Furthermore, the high percentage of conscientious objectors does not harm the healthcare service. The estimates show an adequate territorial coverage by the authorized structures compared to the female population of fertile age. In conclusion, the central action of planning, organization, and monitoring finds a valid ally in the territorial management entrusted to the Regions. The analyzed report reflects even more margins of efficiency and adequacy when considered within the particular historical context of the pandemic by COVID-19.

Experiencia vivida frente al aborto inducido en un grupo de mujeres en Bogotá, Colombia / Lived Experience with Induced Abortion of a Group of Women in Bogotá, Colombia / Experiência com o aborto provocado em um grupo de mulheres em Bogotá, Colômbia

Introducción: frente al aborto inducido se han establecido diferentes posturas que muchas veces se basan en perspectivas morales, filosóficas y religiosas, cuando deberían estar centradas en lo que implica esta situación de salud en la vida de las mujeres Metodología: se desarrolló una investigación fenomenológica para establecer los diálogos desde la perspectiva de las propias protagonistas sobre el aborto inducido con una participación de siete mujeres, mayores de 18 años en Bogotá. Resultados: las experiencias de las mujeres son variadas, pero se identificaron algunos aspectos similares o comunes. Sin embargo, cada vivencia es particular y tiene como marco el contexto en el que cada una habitaba en el momento del aborto. Se identificaron las siguientes categorías de análisis: aborto como consecuencia de un embarazo no deseado, aborto como experiencia frente a una decisión autónoma, aborto, culpa y pecado, cambios asociados a la experiencia, maternidad, materialización del deseo y aborto no debe ser considerado como un delito. Conclusiones: la vivencia del aborto no puede ser generalizable, y para su entendimiento debe tenerse en cuenta aspectos que solo atañen a la mujer como experta en su vida y en su situación. El aporte de la presente investigación fue recuperar la vivencia de las mujeres sobre el aborto para contribuir al cuidado de la salud en la población femenina

Introdução: sobre o aborto provocado têm-se estabelecido diferentes posturas, muitas vezes baseadas em perspectivas morais, filosóficas e religiosas, quando deveriam estar focadas no que implica essa situação de saúde na vida das mulheres. Metodologia: desenvolveu-se uma pesquisa fenomenológica para estabelecer os diálogos na perspectiva das próprias protagonistas sobre o aborto provocado com a participação de sete mulheres, maiores de 18 anos, em Bogotá. Resultados: as experiências das mulheres são variadas, mas alguns aspectos semelhantes ou comuns foram identificados. Porém, cada experiência é particular e se enquadra no contexto em que cada uma permanecia no momento do aborto. Foram identificadas as seguintes categorias de análise: aborto como consequência de uma gravidez indesejada, aborto como experiência diante de uma decisão autônoma, aborto, culpa e pecado, mudanças associadas à experiência, maternidade, materialização do desejo e aborto não deve ser considerado como um crime. Conclusões: a experiência do aborto não pode ser generalizável e, para sua compreensão, devem ser considerados aspectos que dizem respeito apenas à mulher como especialista em sua vida e em sua situação. A contribuição desta pesquisa foi resgatar as vivências de mulheres sobre o aborto para contribuir com a atenção à saúde da população feminina.

Introduction: Regarding induced abortion, different positions have been adopted, often based on moral, philosophical, and religious perspectives, when they should be focused on what this health situation implies for women's lives. Method: A phenomenological research was conducted to establish dialogues from the own protagonists' perspective of induced abortion, where seven women over 18 years of age in Bogotá participated. Results: Women's experiences are varied, but some similar or common aspects were identified. However, each experience is specific and is framed within the context where each woman lived at the time of the abortion. The following categories of analysis were identified: Abortion as a consequence of unwanted pregnancy, abortion as an experience versus an autonomous decision, abortion, guilt and sin, changes associated with the experience, maternity, desire materialization, and abortion should not be considered a crime. Conclusions: Abortion experience cannot be generalized, and for its understanding, aspects that only concern women as the experts on their lives and situations must be taken into account. This research contribution was to restore women's abortion experiences to advance female population health care

Investigation on Spontaneous Abortion and Human Papillomavirus Infection.

Viral infections are considered to be risk factors for spontaneous abortion (SA). Conflicting results have been reported on the association between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and SA. HPV DNA was investigated in matched chorionic villi tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from women who experienced SA (n = 80, cases) and women who underwent a voluntary interruption of pregnancy (VI; n = 80, controls) by qualitative PCR and quantitative droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Viral genotyping was performed using real-time PCR in HPV-positive samples. Specific IgG antibodies against HPV16 were investigated in sera from SA (n = 80) and VI (n = 80) females using indirect ELISA assays. None of the DNA samples from SA subjects was HPV-positive (0/80), whilst HPV DNA was detected in 2.5% of VI women (p > 0.05), with a mean viral DNA load of 7.12 copy/cell. VI samples (n = 2) were found to be positive for the HPV45 genotype. The ddPCR assay revealed a higher number of HPV-positive samples. HPV DNA was detected in 3.7% and 5% of SA and VI chorionic tissues, respectively, with mean viral DNA loads of 0.13 copy/cell in SA and 1.79 copy/cell in VI (p >0.05) samples. All DNA samples from the PBMCs of SA and VI females tested HPV-negative by both PCR and ddPCR. The overall prevalence of serum anti-HPV16 IgG antibodies was 37.5% in SA and 30% in VI (p > 0.05) women. For the first time, HPV DNA was detected and quantitatively analyzed using ddPCR in chorionic villi tissues and PBMCs from SA and VI women. Circulating IgG antibodies against HPV16 were detected in sera from SA and VI females. Our results suggest that HPV infection in chorionic villi may be a rare event. Accordingly, it is likely that HPV has no significant role in SA.

Voluntary termination of pregnancy: An opportunity for Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccination in an Italian healthcare local unit.

In Italy, the National Plan for the Elimination of Measles and Congenital Rubella 2010-15 suggests offering Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination to susceptible women who underwent voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTP) In Rome, S. Eugenio Hospital is one of the structures where VTP is practised in an Operative Unit called "Family Planning" The primary goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of susceptibility to rubella, using IgG and IgM immunoassays, among women accessing VTP and to offering MMR vaccination to susceptible women. Secondarily, this study evaluated acceptance of the vaccination offer From 2013 to 2015, data were collected from 1513 voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTP) cases The results show a significant increase of 5 percent in susceptibility prevalence in the target group from 13.6% in 2013 and 2014 to 18.4% in 2015 The association between rubella susceptibility and age was statistically significant (p<0.01) Throughout the entire period, acceptance of the vaccine proposal was 19% (45/232) among susceptible women; 58% (135/232) refused the vaccine and 23% (52/232) took time to think about it This study shows an increase of 5 percent in the prevalence of rubella susceptibility over two years. This result is worrying, even considering the short span of the data collection The rate of acceptance of vaccination is unsatisfactory considering the possibility of future pregnancies This issue deserves continued action, which, going forward, might transform a "project" into a shared strategy as part of a wider network with the goal of aligning Italy with international recommendations.

Risk factors for voluntary interruption of pregnancy and possible preventive public health actions.

INTRODUCTION: Voluntary interruption of pregnancy (VIP) is one of the most frequent healthcare procedures in the world and a Public Health concern in many countries, especially after liberalization of the abortion laws. The study has been carried out to identify the factors that still influence a fraction of female population towards abortion in the absence of fetal malformations. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the period 2012-2016. The survey was carried out on all VIPs performed at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit of the University Hospital "G. Martino" in Messina, Italy. RESULTS: The analyzed sample consisted of 1131 women, aged between 16 and 50 years. Only 4% of VIPs was due to a diagnosis of fetal malformation. In relation to the presence or absence of fetal malformations as the possible reason for VIP, the sample was split up into two groups and the socio-demographic characteristics were considered. VIPs in the absence of malformations were significantly more frequent in younger women with a lower educational level, in unmarried and unemployed women and in women who already had children. These results were confirmed to Pearson test that indicated that all these variables were related to VIP in the absence of malformations. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, it is crucial to further prevent requests for VIPs through information and sex education programs for adolescents in schools and consultants, and responsible procreation promotion programs.

Abortion terminology: views of women seeking abortion in Britain.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists as to whether 'abortion or 'termination of pregnancy' should be used by health professionals during interactions with women and in published works. METHODS: Self-administered anonymous questionnaires were distributed to women attending 54 abortion clinics in Scotland, England and Wales during a 4-month period in 2015. Responses were coded and analysed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics were generated and responses compared by demographic characteristics. The main outcome measures were the proportion of respondents reporting that they found the terms 'abortion' and 'termination of pregnancy' to be distressing, and women's preferred terminology for referring to induced abortion. RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 2259 women. The mean age of the respondents was 27(range 13-51) years; 82% identified as white, 51% had children and 36% had previously undergone abortion. Thirty-five percent indicated that they found the word 'abortion' distressing compared with 18% who reported that 'termination of pregnancy' was distressing (p< 0.001). Forty-five percent of respondents expressed a preference for 'termination of pregnancy' and 12% for 'abortion'. Sixteen percent would choose either term. This pattern of results did not vary statistically by age, reproductive history, country of residence, ethnicity or level of deprivation. CONCLUSIONS: Most women seeking abortion did not find the terms 'abortion' or termination of pregnancy' distressing. When given a choice of terms, more women who expressed a preference chose 'termination of pregnancy'. Healthcare professionals should be sensitive to preferences for terminology when communicating with women seeking abortion.

Percepción del aborto: voces de los médicos en el Hospital de San José (Bogotá) / The perception of abortion: voices from physicians at Hospital de San Jose (Bogotá) / Percepção do aborto: as vozes dos médicos no Hospital de San José (Bogotá)

Resumen Objetivo.Comprender la percepción acerca de la interrupción voluntaria del embarazo (IVE), bajo las tres causales definidas en la Sentencia C-355 del 2006, en un grupo de médicos del Hospital de San José, Bogotá-Colombia. Metodología.Estudio cualitativo hermenéutico. La muestra se configuró con quince médicos del servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia seleccionados por muestreo teórico y el tamaño de la muestra se determinó por saturación de la información. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante entrevistas a profundidad que fueron analizadas con la propuesta de Heidegger, Diekelman, Allen y Tanner. Resultados.La Sentencia C-355 de 2006, fue percibida como una disposición necesaria que le reconoce a la mujer el derecho a decidir sobre su vida y reproducción; además, ofrece una interrupción del embarazo segura. Asimismo, aporta a la disminución de problemáticas sociales, del sistema de salud y familiares; aunque en la sociedad colombiana persiste una percepción negativa de la IVE. No obstante, señalaron las falencias de la Sentencia: ausencia en las definiciones del concepto de salud y del límite de semanas de gestación para acceder a la IVE; y de atención psicológica y genética posterior a la interrupción. Discusión.La Sentencia es un avance significativo para Colombia. A pesar de aceptar la IVE, los participantes reconocen los cuestionamientos que nacen de esta práctica y que son producto de sus valores religiosos y familiares, y de la estigmatización social del aborto. Conclusiones Es inminente la revisión de la Sentencia y la participación de los médicos en este proceso.

Abstract Objective:to understand the perception that a group of physicians at Hospital de San Jose (Bogota-Colombia) have regarding voluntary abortion (VA) under the three causes defined by Sentence C-355/2006. Methodology: a qualitative hermeneutic study with a sample of 15 doctors from the Gynecology & Obstetrics ward who were selected by theoretical sampling. Sample size was defined through information saturation. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews which were analyzed using the approaches proposed by Heidegger, Diekelman, Allen and Tanner. Results:Sentence C-355/2006 was perceived as a necessary concept to empower woman´s right to decide on her life and reproduction; besides, it offers a safe form of VA. Also, the sentence helps in reducing social, health system and family problems; although a negative view of VA persists in Colombian society in general. However, the physicians did point out the sentence´s limitations: the lack of a definition of health, the fact that there is not a defined limit of pregnancy weeks to apply for VA and no psychological or genetic care after the procedure. Discussion:the sentence is a significant advancement in Colombia. In spite of accepting VA, participants do recognize the questioning regarding VA, which are derived from their religious and family values and the social stigma around abortion. Conclusions it is highly necessary to review this sentence, and physicians should participate in this process.

Resumo Objetivo:Compreender a percepção sobre a interrupção voluntária da gravidez (IVG), sob três as causais definidas na Sentença C-355 do ano 2006, em um grupo de médicos do Hospital de San José, Bogotá-Colômbia. Metodologia:Pesquisa qualitativa hermenêutica. A amostra configurou-se com quinze médicos do serviço de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia selecionados por amostragem teórica, e o tamanho da amostra determinou-se por saturação da informação. Os dados obtiveram-se por meio de entrevistas de profundidade que foram analisadas com a proposta de Heidegger, Diekelman, Allen e Tanner. Resultados:A Sentença C-355 de 2006 foi percebida como uma disposição necessária que reconhece às mulheres os direitos a decidir sobre a sua vida e reprodução; além disso, oferece uma segura interrupção da gravidez. Do mesmo modo, contribui com a diminuição de problemas sociais, do sistema de saúde e familiares, mesmo que a sociedade colombiana continua com uma percepção negativa da IVG. Contudo, indicam-se a falências da Sentença: ausência nas definições do conceito de saúde e do limite de semanas de gravidez para aplicar a IVG; e de atendimento psicológico e de genética posterior à interrupção. Discussão:A Sentença é um avanço significativo na Colômbia. Embora aceitem a IVG, os participantes reconhecem seus questionamentos a esta prática, consequência dos seus valores religiosos e familiares, também da estigmatizarão social do aborto. Conclusões:É necessarío revisar a Sentença e que os médicos participem neste processo.

Aborto terapéutico: ¿realmente existe? / Therapeutic abortion: is there really?

A propósito de la reciente promulgación de la Resolución Ministerial N.º 4862014/Minsa, que aprueba la guía técnica nacional para el aborto terapéutico, se ha generado un gran debate al respecto. Como un aporte a la discusión, se presenta una revisión sobre las definiciones y tipos de aborto, para luego centrarse en el denominado ‘aborto terapéutico’ y explorar las dificultades que existen para definirlo. Finalmente, se presentan algunas observaciones a esta Guía técnica emitida por el Minsa. Se concluye que el término ‘aborto terapéutico’ es anacrónico y contradictorio porque el aborto no es un tratamiento que asegure mejorar la salud de la mujer ni la del niño. El término apropiado debería ser ‘interrupción del embarazo por razones médicas’.

With regard to the recent enactment of the Peruvian Ministerial Resolution N.º 4862014/Minsa, which approves the national technical guide for therapeutic abortion, has generated considerable debate. A review of the definition and type of abortion and the focus on the socalled ‘therapeutic abortion’ is presented. This article explores the difficulties in defining it. Finally, some comments are presented to the Technical Guidance issued by the Minsa. We conclude that the term ‘therapeutic abortion’ is anachronistic and contradictory because abortion is not a treatment ensuring better health of the woman neither for the unborn child. The proper term should be ‘termination of pregnancy for medical reasons’.

Validação de conteúdo do Mosaico de Opiniões sobre o Aborto Induzido (Mosai) / Content validation of the 'Mosaic of Opinions About Abortion' (Mosai)

OBJETIVO: Desenvolver e validar o conteúdo do Mosaico de Opiniões Sobre o Aborto Induzido (Mosai), um questionário estruturado que se pretende utilizar como instrumento para coletar informações sobre as opiniões de profissionais da saúde acerca da moralidade do aborto induzido. MÉTODOS: O conteúdo da primeira versão do questionário foi desenvolvido com base na técnica de análise temática de conteúdo de livros, artigos, filmes, sites e jornais relatando casos de abortamento e argumentando sobre sua prática. O Mosai ficou composto por 6 dilemas morais (vinhetas) relacionados a casos de abortamento, cujos desfechos devem ser escolhidos pelos respondentes e podem ser justificados mediante a classificação de 15 padrões de argumentos sobre o tema. A fim de validar seu conteúdo, o questionário foi submetido ao crivo de um painel de 12 especialistas, uma amostra intencional constituída de médicos, juristas, bioeticistas, sociólogos, enfermeiros e estatísticos, que avaliaram os critérios de clareza da redação, pertinência, adequação à amostra e aos domínios. As notas atribuídas pelos especialistas foram submetidas ao método da taxa de concordância. Os comentários livres foram analisados mediante a técnica de análise de conteúdo RESULTADOS: Todos os dilemas e argumentos foram considerados válidos segundo a taxa de concordância, entretanto, alguns comentários motivaram a exclusão de um dilema sobre anticoncepção de emergência, dentre outras mudanças CONCLUSÃO: A validação do Mosai poderá contribuir para que as opiniões de profissionais da saúde com relação à moralidade do aborto possam ser avaliadas de maneira abrangente e com maior profundidade.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and validate the contents of the Mosaico de Opiniões Sobre o Aborto Induzido (Mosai), a structured questionnaire intended to be used as a tool to collect information about the views of health professionals about the morality of abortion. METHODS: The contents of the first version of the questionnaire was developed based on the technique of thematic content analysis of books, articles, films, websites and newspapers reporting cases of abortion and arguing about their practice. The Mosai was composed of 6 moral dilemmas (vignettes) related to induced abortion, whose outcomes should be chosen by the respondents and could be justified by the classification of 15 patterns of arguments about the morality of abortion. In order to validate its contents, the questionnaire was submitted to the scrutiny of a panel of 12 experts, an intentional sample consisted of doctors, lawyers, ethicists, sociologists, nurses and statisticians, who evaluated the criteria of clarity of writing, relevance, appropriateness to sample and suitability to the fields. These scores were analyzed by the method of concordance rate, while the free comments were analyzed using the analysis technique content. RESULTS: All the moral dilemmas and arguments were considered valid according to the rate of agreement, however, some comments led to the exclusion of a dilemma about emergency contraception, among other changes. CONCLUSION: The content of Mosai was considered valid to serve as a tool to collect the opinions of healthcare professionals regarding the morality of abortion.

Content validation of the 'Mosaic of Opinions About Abortion' (Mosai).

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and validate the contents of the Mosaico de Opiniões Sobre o Aborto Induzido (Mosai), a structured questionnaire intended to be used as a tool to collect information about the views of health professionals about the morality of abortion. METHODS: The contents of the first version of the questionnaire was developed based on the technique of thematic content analysis of books, articles, films, websites and newspapers reporting cases of abortion and arguing about their practice. The Mosai was composed of 6 moral dilemmas (vignettes) related to induced abortion, whose outcomes should be chosen by the respondents and could be justified by the classification of 15 patterns of arguments about the morality of abortion. In order to validate its contents, the questionnaire was submitted to the scrutiny of a panel of 12 experts, an intentional sample consisted of doctors, lawyers, ethicists, sociologists, nurses and statisticians, who evaluated the criteria of clarity of writing, relevance, appropriateness to sample and suitability to the fields. These scores were analyzed by the method of concordance rate, while the free comments were analyzed using the analysis technique content. RESULTS: All the moral dilemmas and arguments were considered valid according to the rate of agreement, however, some comments led to the exclusion of a dilemma about emergency contraception, among other changes. CONCLUSION: The content of Mosai was considered valid to serve as a tool to collect the opinions of healthcare professionals regarding the morality of abortion.