Advocates Rally for Pan-European Access to Abortion
In a bold move aimed at ensuring universal access to abortion across Europe, civil society groups are championing a petition set to be considered by the EU executive. The initiative, dubbed “My Voice, My Choice,” seeks to empower women by establishing a fund to cover expenses for those unable to access abortion in their own countries but opt to travel to more liberal nations within the EU.
Organizations spanning eight EU member states have spearheaded the European Citizens’ Initiative, calling on the European Commission to pave the way for a voluntary mechanism. This mechanism would enable countries to opt in and receive funding to provide safe and legal abortion care for individuals facing barriers to access in their home nations.
Kristina Krajnc, representing Slovenia’s 8th of March Institute, underscores the fundamental right to bodily autonomy and choice as a quintessential European value. She stresses that such rights should remain untethered to geographical location within the EU.
While the initiative has garnered substantial support, the road ahead may prove challenging. Crafting an EU-supported framework that circumvents national laws, particularly in the realm of healthcare, presents a formidable task, compounded by the deeply politicized nature of abortion discourse.
Abortion legislation across the EU spans a wide spectrum, from stringent prohibitions to more permissive regulations. However, even in countries where abortion is technically legal, access remains hampered. In Italy, for instance, a majority of gynecologists invoke conscientious objection, impeding access to abortion services. Moreover, recent legislative efforts in Italy have raised concerns, including proposals permitting anti-abortion activists within clinic premises.
Poland, renowned for its stringent abortion laws, appears poised for potential reform, albeit at a sluggish pace. Following the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party’s near-total ban on abortion in 2020, the new ruling coalition, under the leadership of former European Council President Donald Tusk, endeavors to chart a more progressive path. Nonetheless, hurdles persist for women seeking to terminate pregnancies, signaling an ongoing struggle for reproductive rights.
