ZAGREB, March 12, 2019 – The Pametno party on Tuesday sent a letter to local legislatures in 29 towns proposing that pro-life prayer groups be banned from assembling within 150 metres of hospitals and health institutions.
Such assemblies target women who come to hospitals and health institutions to seek advice on medically assisted reproduction or pregnancy termination. They are disturbing for patients, especially for women who are already traumatised by their situation, this non-parliamentary party said in a statement.
“All citizens must have free access to health institutions without fear of persecution or public condemnation,” the party said, citing Article 11 of the Public Assembly Act that bans peaceful assemblies or public protests in the vicinity of hospitals.
In order to avoid misinterpretation of the term “the vicinity of hospitals”, Pametno suggested that local legislatures define a no-assembly zone.
The party called for the protection of the rights of women and patients and of the right of hospital staff and citizens who visit hospitals for whatever reason not to be disturbed.
The proposal was prompted by the “40 Days for Life” initiative whose campaigners have begun prayer gatherings outside hospitals in 29 towns across the country during Lent, praying for “God’s mercy and grace for all those involved in the sin of abortion.”
More news about abortion issues can be found in the Politics section.
