The paper titled “International Reproductive Health Perspective: Hungary” by Katelynn Takacs, from The Ohio State University College of Social Work, explores Hungary’s contemporary conservative policies surrounding reproductive rights, particularly abortion. The author examines the restrictive nature of abortion laws in Hungary, such as the Act on the Protection of Fetal Life (1992), which permits abortion up until the 12th week of pregnancy under specific circumstances. The recent implementation of a fetal heartbeat policy further complicates abortion access, requiring women to listen to the electrical impulses of the fetal heart before proceeding with the decision.

The paper delves into the “Unwantedness effect,” where restrictive policies lead to unintended pregnancies carried to term, causing adverse outcomes like lower educational attainment and increased adolescent parenthood. It highlights the barriers to accessing abortion services, such as counseling, medical documentation, and high costs, as well as the stigmatization of abortion in Hungarian society, heavily influenced by Roman Catholicism and right-wing political ideologies.

Furthermore, the author analyzes the societal and political dimensions of the issue, including the traditional gender roles that shape public opinion and policy on abortion. Despite these challenges, organizations like Patent (based in Hungary) and ASTRA Network (a Warsaw-based initiative) are working to promote equitable access to reproductive health services.

You can download the full paper here.