
In Croatia, religious and neo-conservative groups are intensifying efforts to outlaw abortions, sparking a heated debate in the staunchly Catholic nation. While abortion is legal in Croatia, access to the procedure is often restricted, leading many women to seek abortions in neighboring Slovenia. This movement marks a significant shift from Croatia's past as part of Communist-run Yugoslavia, which enshrined abortion rights in its constitution five decades ago.
The discussion around abortion rights has resurfaced following France's recent constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to abortion. Activists in the Balkans have highlighted the former Yugoslavia's progressive stance on abortion in 1974, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding women's reproductive rights.