Feminist Responses to Anti-Abortion Attacks in Italy and Slovenia. Building Democratic Innovations in Contexts of De-Democratization

This paper examines contemporary feminist movements' repertoires of action in Italy and Slovenia in response to informal challenges to abortion rights amidst the rise of anti-gender mobilizations and processes of de-democratization. While legal frameworks protecting abortion remain intact in both countries, informal barriers, forms of boycott and hijack of existing laws, such as misinformation, conscientious objection, and judgmental discourses undermine access to reproductive rights. Through qualitative analysis of interviews with feminist activists, the study identifies innovative grassroots practices – such as mapping conscientious objectors, accompaniment services, and public education campaigns – as key "democratic innovations." These actions not only address gaps left by institutional frameworks but also promote self-determination, solidarity, and care-based peer support. By analyzing these feminist repertoires, the paper highlights how grassroot strategies counteract anti-abortion threats and stimulate democratic resilience in contexts of de-democratization. It contributes to the literature on feminist democratic innovations by expanding the understanding of how movements engage in transformative practices beyond formal political arenas to safeguard reproductive autonomy.