‘Brave Sisters’ Tackle Croatia’s Growing Stigma Over Abortion

"A huge number of women who have not been activists so far have reached out to us, and we are especially happy about that. Despite all the uncertainties, they have decided to take a step out of their own comfort zone and anonymity," Peratovic said.

Prayer vigils in front of hospitals deter women

Pro-life protesters in front of the Church in Warsaw, Poland. Photo: EPA-EFE/WOJCIECH OLKUSNIK POLAND OUT.

Women who need the support of the Brave Sisters will be able to get it next year, when the project starts to operate.

Until then, Peratovic said, the group is collecting applications, selecting future volunteers and training them in how to give support to women in need.

"It is our responsibility to provide an atmosphere of security and respect for the women who turn to us for support," she said, adding that Brave Sisters will offer both psychological and moral support for women who want an abortion, accompany them to hospital for examinations and conversations with doctors, and during the procedure itself.

"Many Croatian women are forced to have unregistered terminations in private clinics, even in private apartments, or travel to Slovenia," Peratovic said, adding that it is likely happening because women are deterred by the social stigma at home and are "blocked" by doctors who refuse to perform abortions in public hospitals "on the grounds of their faith", invoking the conscientious objection clause.

"The procedure itself, the travel and the time it takes to find a hospital that will perform the abortions further burden their [the womens'] budget," Peratovic said.

"What remains [after] is to pass a row of prayers in front of hospitals and exposure to numerous posters and brochures full...