Abortion was made legal in Italy 44 years ago, and women are allowed to request the medical process for health, economic or social reasons, including the circumstances under which conception occurred.
The medical process is performed free of charge in public hospitals.
A survey was conducted by the Luca Coscioni Association, a pro-euthanasia and pro-choice organisation.
Around 30 of the hospitals surveyed found that 100 per cent of its staff objected to performing an abortion, while almost 50 hospitals recorded an objection rate of over 90 per cent.
Over 80 hospitals had an 80 per cent objection rate.
The report containing the Luca Coscioni Association’s findings noted that “access to abortion remains difficult in many parts of Italy” and that in some parts of Italy, it is “impossible” for a woman to exercise her legal right.
It also stated that the level of conscientious objectors was underreported in official figures presented to parliament.
The association wrote to Health Minister Roberto Speranza and Justice Minister Marta Cartabia, pressuring them to “take urgent action”, so that this “fundamental right” could be “guaranteed for those in need”.
