–
It seems that the House will vote before the holiday on the bill that relaxes the abortion law. The Council of State has issued the new advice requested by the opponents of the proposal.
–
Proponents of the law will now insist that the item be placed on the agenda next week.
–
The proposal is politically very sensitive: CD&V is against the proposal and links the issue to government formation.
–
The proposal completely removes abortion from the criminal law and extends the term from 12 to 18 weeks. The mandatory reflection period is shortened and there are penalties for those who want to prevent abortion. A broad majority of socialists, liberals, greens, the PVDA and DéFI support the proposal. CD&V, N-VA and Vlaams Belang are fierce opponents.
–
Political swell
The issue is causing political upheaval. CD&V Chairman Joachim Coens wants to discuss such ethical issues in the context of federal government formation. The proposal should have been voted on last week, but CD&V obtained a postponement by asking the Council of State for a new opinion.
–
Coens tries together with his liberal colleagues Egbert Lachaert (Open VLD) and Georges-Louis Bouchez (MR) a coalition with the N-VA (opponent of the proposal), the sp.a (proponent of the proposal) and the CDH (who wants to adjust the proposal). The liberals also support the proposal, although MPs of the MR have the freedom to vote in good conscience.
–
The PS has already asked Parliament President Patrick Dewael (Open VLD) to put the item on next Wednesday’s agenda. Groen also assumes that the proposal will be voted on next week. “As usual, the vote will be on the plenary’s agenda next week,” tweet MP Jessika Soors said.
–
–
