Monaco is a small sovereign city-state located on the French Riviera, and childbirth is highly medicalized in the country. In this article, we will discuss the most common options for giving birth in Monaco, the process of registering a birth, and the attitudes and legislation surrounding abortion.
Giving Birth in Monaco
In Monaco, almost all births take place in hospitals. The Princess Grace Hospital Centre (CHPG) is the main hospital in the country, and it has a state-of-the-art maternity unit. The CHPG offers a wide range of services for pregnant women, including prenatal care, childbirth education classes, and postnatal care.
There are some private clinics in Monaco that offer maternity services as well. However, they are not as popular as the CHPG, and they tend to cater to a more exclusive clientele.
Home births are legal in Monaco, but they are not common. According to the World Health Organization, less than 1% of births in Monaco take place at home.
Registering a Birth in Monaco
Parents have 10 days from the date of birth to register their child with the Monegasque authorities. The following documents are required:
- The child’s birth certificate issued by the hospital or clinic
- The parents’ marriage certificate, if applicable
- The parents’ passports or identity cards
- A medical certificate stating that the mother is in good health
The registration process can be done in person at the Town Hall or online on the government’s website. Once the registration is complete, the parents will receive a Livret de Famille, a family booklet that contains the child’s birth certificate and other important documents.
Attitudes and Legislation Surrounding Abortion in Monaco
Abortion is legal in Monaco, but it is strictly regulated. The law allows for abortion only in the following cases:
- If the pregnancy endangers the life of the mother
- If the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest
- If the fetus has a serious abnormality that is incompatible with life
Abortions can only be performed in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, and the decision to have an abortion must be approved by a committee of doctors.
Access to abortion in Monaco is limited, and many women travel to France to have the procedure done. The government has been criticized for not doing enough to ensure that women have access to safe and legal abortion services in the country.
In conclusion, childbirth in Monaco is highly medicalized, with almost all births taking place in hospitals. Parents have 10 days to register their child with the Monegasque authorities, and abortion is legal but strictly regulated.