Swiss Voters Expand Abortion Law.(Brief Article)

Beginning October 1, unborn babies less than 12 weeks old can be aborted in Switzerland as long as their mothers declare they are in a "state of distress" and are counseled by a doctor. The law, passed by Swiss voters June 2 by a three-to-one margin, also allows abortions after 12 weeks if the pregnancy poses a "grave danger to health," according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

As in the United States, the definition of "health" is very broad, and includes mental health.

The Roman Catholic Swiss bishops' conference condemned the new law, Reuters reported. "The fact that from now on it is possible to end unborn life during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy without punishment opens the door for further dangers to the respect of life both at the start -- extension of the period for abortion, removing of a fetus with possible handicaps, etc.-- and at its end-- euthanasia," the bishops said in a statement."

"The Swiss bishops appeal to the conscience of each individual," the statement continued. "The law is not morally acceptable."

The ...