In an open letter, the Family Planning of the Alpes-Maritimes denounces a number of dysfunctions and poor practices surrounding abortion in the Maralpine territory.
The open letter shared by Family Planning 06 on September 28, during this International Day for the Right to Abortion, highlights obstacles to this right “which continue to multiply”. A fundamental freedom that Emmanuel Macron committed to having enshrined in the Constitution six months ago.
This letter is addressed to their “partners responsible for the implementation of these laws”, including the department of Alpes-Maritimes, the regional health agency’s management, the management of the CHU of Nice, the medical council 06, and the CPAM management.
“Family Planning continuously fights for these fundamental rights to be respected, especially in times when conservative ideas and regressions in women’s and minorities’ rights are active,” recalls Family Planning.
Support from RIV06
On the territory of Alpes-Maritimes, Family Planning advisors receive nearly a thousand people per year during their support and listening sessions. 34% of the meetings concern a request for abortion.
From this daily contact, on the ground, with people seeking an abortion, Family Planning has observed numerous issues hindering, delaying, or even preventing these procedures.
The RIV06 (Abortion Network in the City 06), consisting of practitioners working in the field of abortion, joins Family Planning and signs this open letter. A way to denounce “a number of dysfunctions”. And the list is long.
Overcharging, Stigmatization, Non-compliance with Procedures…
The activist association starts by reporting facts of “overcharging and lack of fee advances practiced by many medical gynecologists and/or obstetricians and ultrasound clinics”. Indeed, a clinic in downtown Nice allegedly charged a patient 600 euros. Abortion in France is covered 100% by Social Security.
And the complaints are numerous: “lack of clarity from the CPAM on anonymity options for adults and minors,” “non-compliance with 100% billing for laboratory and ultrasound procedures,” “difficult access to abortion between 14 and 16 weeks of amenorrhea,” and “lack of access to abortion based on social status.”
Family Planning globally denounces a lack of compliance with procedures: “Several cases have been reported to us of health professionals performing abortions without an accompanying adult, without a certificate from a marriage and family counselor or psychologist for a minor, without a follow-up appointment, and charging overages for each consultation.”
The organization of dating ultrasounds located in the gyneco-obstetric consultation service of the Arche hospital is also pointed out. This service of the CHU of Nice cares for patients attending for pregnancy follow-ups, as well as those awaiting abortion, “which leads to a stigma“ of these individuals.
For Free and Guaranteed Access for All
Having listed these issues, Family Planning formulates its demands: “At a time when abortion appears to be a fundamental right of individuals, soon to be enshrined in the constitution, we demand that its access be free and guaranteed for everyone!”
“We demand an end to these dishonest, guilt-inducing, and anxiety-provoking actions for women undergoing abortion, that targeted communication and control be exerted on practitioners charging overages for this 100% covered procedure, and that sanctions be applied to enforce the law and combat obstruction to abortion, that resources be given to the hospital for method choice after 14 weeks of amenorrhea, and that the entire process can be completed in a single location, including ultrasound, that anonymity is truly applied, and that medical abortions are implemented in the department’s family planning centers“, the association lists.
