How is abortion generally viewed by the Greek society ?

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asimenia

Greek women is general look at abortion as a means of contraceptive (unfortunately). I know this from a gyno and a friend who's a nurse.
The pill is frowned upon - harmful to the body etc (that's why Durex has classed Greeks as the people having the most sex - which is bull - it's because they buy the most condoms) but it seems, sadly that abortion is deemed as normal.

When I was in my 20s I had an operation and the doc needed to know 'how many abortions I'd had' - note .... not if I'd had one..... but how many!!!! This was in Mitera in Athens - they were really shocked when I said none!

I think the family's shame outweighs the 'religious' beliefs on abortion.

Just read dvatwark - she's right ..... we are in Greece and know better than Greeks living out of Greece.
++++++++++++++++++++

Just read the article - I know for a fact that Greek girls are finding it harder and harder to get pregnant - IVF is quite normal - there are about 10 sets of twins in my town ... I asked one mother of twins - why so many? Is it the water? She laughed and said - it's IVF. A gyno told me that 'we' foreigners get pregnant at the drop of a hat because we use the pill and avoid abortions - nearly every married couple I know in Greece has had problems conceiving - I thought it strange - but now understand. How sad.

I'm sure some Greek men also 'frown' on the use of condoms - I wish doctors pushed the use of the pill - but they don't.

dvatwork

Greece, according to a doctor I know, has the highest reported abortion rate in the EU, and perhaps all of Europe. According to him, abortion is one of the most popular methods of birth control!!

edit: read this very short, but enlightening article--->http://www.phantis.com/news/?newsID=20021207101532

Serendipity

Sadly, it is very very common. I have even heard a woman boast about her 30(!) abortions. She seems to think that this makes her fertile. I told her that she killed 30 children, and she just shrugged it off. I have taken many women to have IUD's fitted. They just didn't know. Contraception should be taught in schools.
However, when a woman has decided that she has had enough children, she will ask the doctor to tie her tubes, straight after giving birth. at least thats something...

Archer1

Abortion is a taboo ...many young girls and women had at least one, something which is very sad but they hide it. I agree with Asimenia, personally when l went to the gyno for the first time in Greece he asked me the same question ..."how many abortions l have had", indeed l was shocked...and especially when l had none.Then finally l found out that many Greeks do not want to take protections and don't know how (esp. girls ). Some women l know had more than 3 abortions because they weren't ready for a baby, the baby would get in their way for a career, the husband - fiance-boyfriend didn't want it....so many many excuses....Why on earth stay pregnant when you don't want to!??? The best act is prevention but unfortunately people are ready to have sex but not to take full responsibility of their acts!
It's a very serious matter, some Greeks think it's normal,some other think it's a terrible mistake, murder. Church is totally against it but l have seen very small actions to inform young people and prevent abortions! For church even sex and protection means are a sin - taboo! But the issue is not only religious, it's a problem of the society and people should get informed that an abortion is not only a murder of a life but a catastrophe for the female body and mind as well.

ketilevedis

About 8 years ago I had a miscarriage and I went to Mitera for a mild operation.All the stuff except my doctor were talking about abortion .I had to explain to them I was in for a miscarriage and they were looking at me like an alien.So many women have many many abortions in their life time,I can't believe they considered it a birth control but they do!!!!I believe it's schools fault that young women don't use other means of protection.How sad!!!I've been married for 28 years and it never "happened " to me.Yia sou.

Myrina

Unfortunately, it is very common in Greece. Women should get informed - and men, too. Having an abortion is vey bad for a woman's psychology and body. Not to mention the fact that a human life is wasted.
Abortion is NOT a means of contraception. Greek women should understand that.

supergoo7

Greece has become very liberal in this area in recent years. Abortion on request is permitted and is very very common.

Hektor

I may not live in Greece but the concept of abortion disgusts me.

Amos Sinclar

Frightening seeing this information. If you're going to have sex be smart if you don't want to get pregnant Greek women should use their brains, they're Greek they're smart they should know better.

And I heard that Greece is one of the few countries where Church and State are one so I cannot understand why abortion is even legal or allowed so many times.

Lady S

I cannot understand how a woman can think that contraceptive pills are bad for her health, and at the same time consider having one or more abortions normal. Modern contraceptive pills are perfectly safe and don't even make you gain weight, like the old ones used to. They have low hormon levels and it is the best contraception method nowadays. No need to be afraid of them... LOL :)

Artemis

I know a woman who has had 10 abortions. She has three daughters and one of those cannot conceive. My mother-in-law says it is because of her mother's sin!

Tyrese

I think abortion at an early stage where it has not been developed to a foetus it's ok, but after 12 Weeks a foetus dramatically develops and can actually feel, which is scientifically proven, hence it's not acceptable.

From a religious point all I can say is that "Making Love" before being married is already a sin and abortion makes it even worse as it derives as a result of lust. But if you have a abortion and have genuine regret and feel sorrow than your sins will be forgiven on the basis of Maria Magdalena's Story (Throw the first stone if you aren't a sinner etc.)
Good Luck

Greek Barbiee...Se agapo!!!

Good Luck!

Solitude

abortion is a taboo in greek society. you never talk about it. it doesn't exist.everythong is sweet and nice...
religion considers it a murder. family...well it depends on the family. some consider their daugthers whores and sinners and others believe in free will.
i think there's a high rate of abortions in greece but i'm not quite sure :S

-doozer-

Abortion = Murder

GreekLover

greece is a christian country..they dont like abortions...and if a young girl/women got pregnant by accident...the parents are usually angry at first but eventually they help...a lot

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