San Marino’s abortion referendum reveals social fissures

Arguments flare in the tiny, extremely conservative nation ahead of a vote on finally legalising abortion

It didn't take long for the debate in San Marino to turn toxic. Soon after campaigning in the lead-up to a referendum on legalising abortion officially got under way, the walls of the tiny country, landlocked within central Italy, were slapped with posters from anti-abortion activists featuring a child with Down's syndrome. The caption read: I'm an anomaly, does that mean I have fewer rights than you?"

Other posters featured the image of foetus alongside the message: I'm a child even at 12 weeks, save me!"