Estonian PM calls on EKRE politicians to reflect on responsibility of governance

  • 2019-03-22
  • BNS/TBT Staff

TALLINN - Estonian Prime Minister and chairman of the Center Party Juri Ratas said that making accusations towards gynecologists and women in relation to abortions must stop, Postimees reports.

Ratas said that the role and responsibility of all heads of state is to drive life in Estonia forward, build a cohesive, strong and social state and society. A society where people understand and listen to each other and where there is less hate, and a state where no one feels they are being treated unfairly.

"It is always easier to break our society into pieces than to later put it back together again. Therefore, every sensible politician must grasp the weight of their words and actions and their responsibility," Ratas said.

Regrettably, discussion of such a personal and sensitive issue as abortion has caused needless pain to a lot of people, he said.

"I apologize to all the women, gynecologists, but also the men whom this unexpectedly arisen debate has offended," the Center Party chairman said.

"I would ask for EKRE politicians to think long and hard and understand that the possible responsibility of governance does not just mean standing up for one's own attitudes and beliefs, but serving and caring for the the whole state and nation," the prime minister said, adding that accusing gynecologists and women for making this extremely difficult, yet deeply personal decision is unacceptable and must stop.

EKRE deputy chair Martin Helme has said that gynecologists carrying out abortions are breaking the Hippocratic Oath, while EKRE leader Mart Helme has equated abortions with killing.