Fact Check: "Abortion is permitted in Lithuania up to the 12th week of pregnancy."
What We Know
Abortion laws in Lithuania allow for the termination of pregnancy under specific conditions. According to Wikipedia, abortion is legal and available on request until the ninth week of pregnancy using special medication. For surgical procedures, abortion is permitted up to the 12th week of pregnancy. Additionally, abortions can be performed up to the 22nd week for medical reasons. This framework reflects the legal landscape surrounding abortion in Lithuania, which has evolved from its historical context under Soviet rule.
Analysis
The claim that "abortion is permitted in Lithuania up to the 12th week of pregnancy" is supported by multiple sources. The Wikipedia entry on abortion in Lithuania clearly states that surgical abortions are allowed until the 12th week, aligning with the claim. Furthermore, the Reproductive Rights organization corroborates this information, emphasizing that the law permits termination upon a woman's request up to 12 weeks, provided there are no contraindications.
The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they are well-established platforms that aggregate and present factual information on legal matters. Wikipedia, while user-edited, is often cited for its comprehensive coverage of legal topics and is regularly updated to reflect current laws. The Reproductive Rights organization specializes in documenting reproductive health laws globally, adding credibility to their claims.
However, it is important to note that there have been ongoing political discussions regarding abortion laws in Lithuania, with attempts to introduce more restrictive measures in recent years, particularly influenced by cultural factors such as the Catholic traditions prevalent in the country (LRT). Despite these discussions, the current legal framework remains as stated.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "abortion is permitted in Lithuania up to the 12th week of pregnancy" is accurate based on the current legal provisions. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that surgical abortions are indeed allowed until the 12th week, supporting the validity of the claim.
