Gynacology degrees and abortion

Briefing.

From CFNews: Only four countries in Europe offer gynaecology degrees without requiring abortion. The president of the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations, Dr. Jose Maria Simon, said this week medical students can obtain gynaecology degrees without having to perform abortions in four countries in Europe - Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece. While participating last week in a conference for Catholic gynaecologists in Zagreb, Simon told Europa Press that in Spain, 'although it is difficult, it is still possible to find a place that accepts residents who don't practice abortions.' That is not the case in France, Switzerland, Germany or Austria, where the 'normal' thing is for students to be required to practice abortions. 'Things are very bad in Europe,' he insisted. On the other hand, Simon said participants at the conference concluded that one of the most important priorities for gynaecologists should be the care for pregnant women in poor countries, as well as promoting 'state assistance' in the developed countries to encourage women not to have abortions.