Good job Italy! In an almost unanimous vote, the Italian Drug Agency approved the use of the abortion drug RU-486. This is significant because the Vatican, which is located in Italy, has argued that the drug is a form of abortion and abortion and contraception are banned by the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church has lobbied heavily in Italy and the United Nations against the use of the drug which provides a safe alternative to an actual physically invasive abortion.

Italy’s decision is perfect example of a national government taking the correct course of action and looking out for the well being of its citizens even when that action contradicts leading religious dogma. This is the 21st century. All nations need to put past and harmful behavior based on unfounded and irrelevant religious traditions and superstitions behind them. Religious institutions have no business whatsoever trying to involve themselves in health care.

Italy legalized abortion in 1978 and also allows use of the morning-after pill. Abortion is legal in most European countries.