Rome, Italy - The election of Silvio Berlusconi's center-right coalition in Italy on Sunday has raised hopes among some pro-life Italians that a change could come in the country's abortion law.
Berlusconi, who is expected to become prime minister when his government forms on May 30, called "for a more convinced defense of life" during his campaign, but did not specifically promise a repeal of the pro-abortion law passed in the mid-1970s. Italy's bishops have already asked him to consider a repeal. "It is up to politicians to tell us if it's possible to do so in this legislature," said Msgr. Giuseppe Betori, the secretary of the Italian Bishops' Conference.
Meanwhile, the pro-abortion Radical Party has failed to win any seat in parliament for the first time in 25 years. The party, which advocates euthanasia, stem-cell research, and other controversial issues, had reached its peak in 1979 with 22 members. The Radicals were a key force for the legalization of abortion in 1977.
Pro-Life Infonet
17. mai 2001