This written declaration commits only those who have signed it.
We, the undersigned members of the Parliamentary Assembly,
are strongly concerned about the introduction in the Lithuanian
Parliament of a draft law that would strongly restrict women’s access
to legal abortion leaving only two options for accessing the procedure:
when women's life and health are in danger and in cases of rape.
If adopted, this law would put Lithuania among countries with
the strictest laws on abortion in Europe and seriously affect many
women and families particularly those poor and uneducated ones.
Academic studies, UN Reports and WHO have on numerous occasions
proved that legal barriers to abortion services do not decrease
the rate of abortion, but increase the risk of maternal mortality.
The rate of abortions can only be reduced by improving the access
to contraceptives, providing comprehensive information on family planning,
and introducing better policies reconciling family and work.
By adopting the draft law, Lithuania will violate numerous
international treaties and agreements to which Lithuania is a signatory.
All individuals are entitled to the highest attainable standard
of health, which the State must ensure. We trust that Lithuania
will continue guaranteeing this standard to its population.