updated30. August 2022, 16:33
ZürichBecause of the cooperation with “Pro Life” – color attack on the Helsana branch
Unknown sprayed the window of a Helsana branch in Zurich. Next to it hung a poster: «Financial advantages in not having abortions?! Alright?!»
Barrikade.Info acknowledged the campaign on its website.
Barrikade.Info
«Financial benefits of not having abortions?! Alright?!» was written on a poster, next to the paint.
Barrikade.Info
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Helsana works with the anti-abortion organization “Pro Life Switzerland”.
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Members of the association get a ten percent discount on supplementary insurance if they agree not to have an abortion.
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In a protest action, a Helsana branch was sprayed with paint on Monday night.
Helsana has been cooperating with the anti-abortion organization “Pro Life Switzerland” for a long time. Members can receive a 10 percent discount on supplemental insurance if they sign a “voluntary waiver” agreeing not to have an abortion.
The shop window of a Helsana branch at Central was therefore sprayed on Monday night. «Financial benefits of not having abortions?! Alright?!» wrote strangers on a poster next to the spraying. Barrikade.Info committed to the protest. On their website they write: “In the night of August 29, we therefore paid a visit to the Helsana branch at Central.”
Helsana checks the ad
Helsana regrets the graffiti, as she announced on request of 20 minutes. When asked why the cooperation with “Pro Life” existed, she replied that it was a collective agreement customary in the industry, “which is discounted according to the specifications of the supervisory authorities with regard to any discounts”. It is important to emphasize that Helsana does not exclude anyone from the right to insurance cover, regardless of their political or religious orientation. This also applies to members of Pro Life, according to an employee in corporate communications.
The material damage caused has not yet been precisely quantified, but the damage is assumed to be minor. It is still unclear whether a report should be filed: “Our legal service is currently examining whether we are going to report it and whether it is worth the effort.”
The collaboration became public as early as 2003, as the «NZZ» writes. For a few days it has been discussed once more in the media and in politics. The SP women were also outraged and wrote an open letter to the health insurance company. It says: “The right to an abortion is a fundamental right for which generations of women in Switzerland and around the world have fought and are still fighting.” Helsana supports a movement that directly attacks this fundamental right and thus also the physical and mental health of women. In the letter they call for an end to all cooperation with the anti-abortion organization.
The idea seems to be common in the industry. CSS has also cooperated with «Pro Life» in the past. However, as they themselves write on Twitter, they stopped all business relationships with the organization at the end of 2021.