Agenda Profile: Rain Epler
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 geared towards limiting state funding in healthcare, particularly for elective procedures that lack a medical indication. The speaker supports the narrow objective of a specific draft bill (459 SE) to terminate state funding for abortions performed on demand. This stance is primarily policy- and value-based, emphasizing the responsible utilization of the state budget.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the specifics of healthcare financing and legislation, clearly differentiating between the prohibition of abortion and the issue of its funding. Specific data is utilized (nearly 3,400 elective abortions last year), and reference is made to a colleague knowledgeable about the medical system (Irja Lutsar). Furthermore, parallels are drawn with other elective procedures, such as Caesarean sections, which indicates a systemic understanding.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical and concrete, focusing on clarifying the narrow content and specific objective of the bill within the broader debate. Logical arguments and factual verification are employed to address colleagues' confusion and steer the discussion back toward the proposed bill. The tone is formal, and questions are posed from the podium to obtain confirmation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is a lack of data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation arose with colleague Rõivas, whose misconception (that elective abortions are not performed without a medical indication) the speaker corrected by confirming the existence of 3,400 such cases. The criticism is fact-based and aimed at accurately understanding the content of the draft bill, not personal.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker positively references colleague Irja Lutsar’s knowledge of the healthcare system and proposes opening a broader discussion on other state-funded selective services. This demonstrates a willingness to expand the political debate to include other similar issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on the national level, addressing national funding and legislation (the budget of the Health Insurance Fund).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize the responsible use of public funding and fiscal discipline. The speaker supports the principle that individuals should pay for elective services that lack medical justification.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is abortion funding. The speaker doesn't support banning abortion, but is strongly opposed to the state funding of elective abortions, emphasizing that this is a matter of individual free choice.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is narrowly on the draft bill amending the Pregnancy Termination and Sterilization Act (459 SE), the purpose of which is to remove state funding from elective abortions. The speaker is a strong supporter and clarifier of the bill, emphasizing its specific scope, and wishes to broaden the discussion to include other elective services.
2 Speeches Analyzed