Cypriot anesthesiologists boycott some abortions

Anesthesiologists working at Makarios Hospital are refusing to participate in certain abortions for religious reasons. The doctors have outlined conditions for terminating pregnancy.

According to information from Cyprus-mail, this became known today during a parliamentary session. In a letter submitted to the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, anesthesiologists stated that they would only participate in pregnancy terminations under three conditions.

The letter was shared during the session by the Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights and Member of Parliament for Akel, Irene Haralambides. It was signed by the Deputy Chief Anesthesiologist of Makarios Hospital.

According to the statement, anesthesiologists agree to participate in abortions if the pregnancy resulted from severe maltreatment (up to 19 weeks), if there are abnormalities in the embryo (up to 23 weeks), and if the life of the pregnant woman is at risk.