Anaesthesiologists refuse to participate in some abortions

Anaesthesiologists working at Makarios hospital are refusing to participate in some abortions citing religious reasons, it emerged in parliament on Monday.

In a letter shared to the House human rights committee, the anaesthesiologists said they will only be party to a termination under three conditions – if the pregnancy is the result of abuse (up to 19 weeks), if the embryo has any abnormalities (up to 23 weeks), and if the life of the pregnant woman is at risk.

The letter was shared by chairwoman of the House human rights committee and Akel MP Irene Charalambides during the session, having been signed by the deputy chief of anaesthesiologists.

“The problem is that anaesthesiologists have the right to refuse to participate in a medical abortion procedure … but the State Health Services organisation (Okypy) must find a solution so that women’s rights are not violated, as is guaranteed under the same legislation,” Charalambides told the committee.

She added that Okypy must therefore make provisions “to proceed with an abortion on the basis of the provision of the law”.

She said she had requested a written statement on the matter from Okypy but had not received a “satisfactory answer”.

The Cyprus Medical Association was not immediately available for comment, nor was the anaesthesiologists association.