In a significant move for women’s rights across Europe, the European Commission has announced the establishment of a social fund aimed at assisting women from countries with stringent abortion laws in accessing safe termination services elsewhere within the bloc. This decision, heralded as a triumph for women’s rights advocates, comes in response to a long-standing campaign that sought to ensure equal access to legal and safe abortions for all women in the 27 EU member states.
The Campaign for Equality
The initiative, dubbed the “My Voice, My Choice” campaign, has garnered overwhelming support, with over 1.2 million individuals signing a petition advocating for the creation of a funding mechanism. This campaign emerged as a direct response to the near-total bans on abortion in countries like Poland and Malta, where women’s rights have faced severe limitations. The call for change intensified, prompting a majority of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to back the proposal in December.
Hadja Lahbib, the EU Commissioner for Equality, described the announcement as “groundbreaking,” highlighting its potential to transform lives. She reiterated the pressing need to address the alarming figure of 500,000 unsafe abortions that occur annually in Europe, stating, “This is half a million women at risk, half a million women traumatised, half a million women who may carry lifelong consequences.” The new fund is intended to help mitigate these risks by facilitating access to safe abortion services.
A Divided Response
While many celebrate this decision, it has not been without controversy. Critics, particularly from far-right groups, argue that the EU’s actions infringe on national sovereignty regarding healthcare policies. Olivier Bault from Ordo Iuris, a Polish anti-abortion group, expressed his concerns, stating, “Using the European social fund, arguing that it can be used for healthcare purposes, means making a joke of Europeans’ national laws.”
However, Nika Kovač, a key figure in the My Voice, My Choice campaign, emphasized that this marks a pivotal moment for women’s rights in Europe. “For the first time, the commission confirms unequivocally that EU funds can be used to guarantee access to safe abortion care,” she stated. Kovač deemed the announcement a “political commitment to women’s rights,” underscoring its significance beyond mere symbolism.
Next Steps for Advocacy
Despite the progress made, campaigners remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that further strides are taken towards safeguarding women’s rights. They voiced disappointment that the commission did not allocate new financial resources specifically for abortion services but expressed optimism about the avenues now available. Kovač urged member states to fully utilise the pathway established by the commission.
Manon Aubry, a prominent left-wing MEP, reinforced this sentiment, declaring, “We’re going to fight until not a single woman is dying in Europe because she cannot access abortion.” The campaigners are now focused on urging the commission to provide clear guidelines for member states on accessing these funds and to facilitate a system through which women can benefit from the scheme across Europe.
Why it Matters
This announcement represents a crucial step towards ensuring that every woman in Europe, regardless of her circumstances, has the right to safe and legal abortion services. In the face of rising far-right sentiments and regressive policies, the EU’s commitment to safeguarding women’s health rights is not just a legal victory but a moral imperative. As the landscape of women’s rights continues to evolve, this initiative sets a precedent for future actions, reinforcing the belief that women’s autonomy over their bodies is a fundamental human right that should be upheld across all member states.
