Agenda Profile: Heljo Pikhof
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 stance is strongly value-based, focusing on gender equality and opposing the sole emphasis on women's responsibility regarding pregnancy. The speaker strongly advocates for taking all necessary measures to prevent unwanted pregnancies, but objects to the absolute requirement that a child must be born in every instance. They question the opposing side's moral right to make decisions for women.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the Social Affairs Committee's previous discussions, particularly concerning the termination of pregnancy for minors and the issue of parental consent. They reference institutional memory, recalling specific "curious cases" that doctors had explained, which indicates a profound grasp of the policy and its consequences.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is direct, personal, and confrontational, employing strong emotional appeals and rhetorical questions ("Where are the men in this game?"). The speaker relies on recalling previous committee sessions and issuing a moral challenge ("how dare you decide such things on behalf of women"), rather than relying heavily on data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker participated in the debate but was absent for some of the time due to a doctor's appointment, which suggests an unexpected disruption to the usual workflow. They also referenced a previously active role in legislation, having served as the chairman of the Social Affairs Committee.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is aimed at an individual or group who previously expressed the view that the woman is guilty both of becoming pregnant and of having an abortion. The criticism is intense and morally charged, challenging the opposing side’s right to decide for women and to ignore the role of men.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Data unavailable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, abortion and gender responsibility are currently front and center. The speaker stresses the necessity of involving men in this responsibility and doing everything possible to prevent unwanted pregnancies. They oppose the viewpoint that a child must be born regardless of the circumstances, emphasizing instead that children must be raised with care and love.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft Act (459 SE) amending the Act on Termination of Pregnancy and Sterilization. The speaker draws upon their previous experience as the chairman of the Social Affairs Committee to highlight the practical and ethical consequences of the bill, particularly in the context of termination of pregnancy for minors.
2 Speeches Analyzed