On Thursday, Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib presented the official response of the European Commission to the European Citizens' Initiative “My Voice, My Choice: for a right to safe and accessible abortion”, backed by more than 1.2 million citizens in 19 Member States.
The Commissioner stated she was proud to defend an essential cause, one of the major priorities of the current mandate on equality: a priority set to leave a lasting mark on European action and save lives.
Behind this momentum lies a citizens' initiative, driven by its organisers, who personally delivered one million signatures. Their message was clear: ensuring access to safe abortion for every woman in Europe. A relevant demand, given that access to appropriate healthcare remains unequal, and an approach that respects the European Treaties, as health policy remains primarily a national competence.
In response, the Commission stresses that existing financial instruments already allow for action. Member States can draw on the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), if they wish and in line with their national legislation, to improve access to legal, safe and affordable abortion services, notably by using or reallocating resources available under their national or regional programmes.
In concrete terms, this means that European funding could support:
- women forced to travel to access care
- women facing obstacles in their own country
- those living in isolated areas
- those without sufficient financial resources
- and more broadly, any woman in a vulnerable situation, anywhere in Europe.
The Commission is thus providing Member States with concrete tools and stands ready to support them in mobilising this funding. Given these already existing possibilities, it considers it unnecessary to propose a new legal instrument.
The decision taken reflects the sound functioning of European democracy: the citizens' initiative made it possible to voice a clear demand, and the Union is providing a concrete response.
The stakes are high. Nearly half a million unsafe abortions take place every year in Europe, exposing hundreds of thousands of women to serious health risks and lasting consequences.
In an international context where women's rights are sometimes called into question, Europe is affirming its determination. In the coming weeks, the Commissioner will present her new Strategy for Gender Equality for the next five years. It will strengthen women's health and rights across the Union, including sexual and reproductive health.
With its response to “My Voice, My Choice”, Europe is acting and will continue to act to guarantee every woman access to quality healthcare, a fundamental right at the heart of the European project.