Across the World: Italy

Abortion bill approved

Italy's drug regulation agency authorized the use of the abortion pill late on Thursday despite protests from the Roman Catholic church which threatens to excommunicate doctors who prescribe the drug and patients who use it.

Since 1978 abortion has been legal in Italy on demand in the first 90 days of pregnancy and until the 24th week if the life of the mother is at risk or the feotus is malformed. By law, all abortions must take place in a hospital.