Health Min Says Abortion Laws Could Change If Commission Decides 11 Y-O Is To Terminate Pregnancy

The minister said that if the commission decides the girl is to terminate the pregnancy, laws will need to be amended, and a public debate would be organized in this respect.

The commission, which includes doctors, psychologists and legal advisers from the Ministry of Health, Justice and Labor and representatives of the Authority Protecting Children’s Rights, was set up after specialists disagreed on the case. The commission meets Wednesday and is to present a report o the case Friday

Nicolaescu said the Health Ministry cannot intervene in the medical act, but can promote legislative changes.

He added that if the commission decides she is to carry the pregnancy to term, the law would not be amended and people seeking to have abortions after the 14th week of pregnancy will have to go to a country where the law allows that.

The 11 year-old girl in Neamt county, eastern Romania, was raped four months ago by her 19 year-old uncle.