Agenda Profile: Züleyxa Izmailova
Draft law amending the Act on Termination of Pregnancy and Sterilisation (459 SE) - First Reading
2024-11-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to Draft Bill 450/459 SE, considering it nothing more than a pure displacement activity. The political focus is value-based, emphasizing women's right to self-determination and steering the debate toward environmental protection and polluter responsibility—topics deemed more critical for the future. One speaker stressed the necessity of socializing the costs of fossil fuels onto the polluters, rather than onto society.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speakers demonstrate expertise in public health and reproductive health, utilizing statistics regarding the drop in abortion rates and cancer diagnoses. They possess a particularly deep understanding of environmental toxins, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and their effect on fertility, fetal development, and the onset of malignant tumors. The second presentation also addresses the costs associated with the burning and extraction of fossil fuels.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly combative and forceful, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the topic. Strong personal attacks and direct appeals to opponents are employed ("pull your heads out of the wombs of foreign women"). The argumentation balances emotional appeals (let us trust women) with extensive logical arguments and scientific terminology.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data regarding activity patterns, such as frequency or travel, apart from participation in the first reading of the bill in question.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the bill's initiator and EKRE MPs, whose activities are being labeled a waste of time and resources. The criticism is intense, encompassing both political arguments (wrong priorities, substitute activities) and personal attacks (including references to the initiator's lack of a uterus). Furthermore, the opponents are accused of ignoring genuine threats, such as the environment and climate change.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The longer speech represents the position of the Social Democrats faction, indicating strong cooperation within the faction regarding opposition to the bill. There is no information regarding openness to compromises or cross-party cooperation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is directed toward national issues (Estonian women's health, the Health Insurance Fund) and global problems (climate change, environmental pollution). There is no specific emphasis on local or regional projects within Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Support is given to the polluter pays principle concerning the costs of mining and burning fossil fuels, opposing the socialization of these expenses. The importance of the economic situation is emphasized, as it is the most frequent reason for terminating a pregnancy, pointing to the need to improve women's economic well-being.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, there is strong support for women's reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, and access to safe abortion. Emphasis is placed on the need to address the social causes of abortion, such as economic circumstances, partner pressure, and violence.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the Social Democratic faction's opposition to Draft Bill 450/459 SE. As an alternative priority, legislative action is proposed in the field of regulating climate change and environmental pollution (especially chemicals that damage the endocrine system).
2 Speeches Analyzed