In Croatia, there's a growing movement led by religious and neo-conservative groups aiming to ban abortions, sparking a contentious debate in the predominantly Catholic nation.
Despite the legality of abortion, access to the procedure is often denied, leading many women to seek abortions across the border in Slovenia.
This recent push for a ban contrasts with Croatia's history as part of Yugoslavia, which enshrined abortion rights in its constitution.
The Balkan region has been reminded of this legacy, particularly after France recently included the right to abortion in its constitution.
The debate in Croatia underscores a broader trend in the region, where the resurgence of nationalist and conservative sentiments since the fall of communism has posed challenges to abortion rights.
In Croatia, doctors have the right to refuse to perform abortions, resulting in restricted access to the procedure in many areas.
Advocacy for a ban is supported by groups like "Za Zivot" ("For Life"), which organizes prayers and vigils to oppose abortions.
Another group, "Muzevni Budite" ("Be Masculine"), promotes traditional gender roles and male dominance while campaigning against abortions.
The significant gap between the law and practice regarding abortion in Croatia means many women face obstacles in accessing the procedure.
The issue gained prominence in 2022 when a woman was denied an abortion despite serious health issues with her fetus, leading to public outcry and protests.
The situation in Croatia reflects broader challenges to abortion rights in the region, with neighboring countries also facing pressure to restrict access.
Despite past progress in the former Yugoslavia, the current trend threatens to undermine women's rights to make decisions about their bodies.