In the future, women who want to abort a pregnancy in Hungary must listen to the fetus' heartbeat, irrespective of their wishes.
On the 14th (local time), The Times and Euronews reported that Hungarian Interior Minister Sandor Pinter recently announced an enforcement decree 'mandatory listening to the fetal heartbeat before abortion'.
“About two-thirds of Hungarians consider the beginning of a child’s life when they hear the first heartbeat,” said Minister Pinter, announcing the decree. Pregnant women can get comprehensive information about their children."
According to this decree, women who want to abort pregnancy in the future must submit a 'confirmation letter' that states that they have "clearly confirmed the elements that show the vital function of the fetus" by listening to the fetal heartbeat.
The new enforcement ordinance came into effect on the 15th of this month.
Far-right politician Dúró Dóra, who took the lead in drafting the decree, said in a Facebook post, "The government has finally taken action to protect the unborn child. I welcomed you by posting the post.
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But local politicians and civic groups are protesting.
Amnesty International Hungary said: "This decision was made without any consultation with women and is quietly banning abortion."
"It will only exacerbate the trauma of women who are already in a difficult situation due to unwanted pregnancies, and increase the burden," he pointed out.
Currently, Hungary allows abortions up to 12 weeks of gestation, after which abortions are only allowed when serious health concerns are a concern.
However, until 6 weeks of gestation, the fetus has not yet developed a heart, so cardiac activity is not well detected.
In response, the Hungarian medical community raised questions about the effectiveness of the enforcement ordinance, arguing, "The heartbeat heard during this period is not the actual heartbeat, but only the sound from the ultrasound machine."
(Photo = Yonhap News, 'Dúró Dóra' Facebook capture)