Abortion: decision is victory for women's health but capitals must commit

Today, the European Commission replied to the European Citizens Initiative My Voice My Choice, which demands that everyone in the EU has access to safe abortions. 

Greens/EFA MEP Alice Bah Kuhnke, Member of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, comments:

“Well over a million Europeans have demanded access to free and safe abortion across the EU. Considering the global backlash against women’s rights, the European Commission has taken an important step in the right direction and acknowledged that the EU must support women’s sexual and reproductive health. 

“Even though the Commission didn’t allocate specific funds for it, today’s decision shows that EU funds can be used to provide subsidised abortions for women from countries where the right is restricted. It is now up to the Member States. Thanks to citizens, women’s rights can no longer be ignored by EU countries. 

“We welcome that some Member States have said they will support the citizens’ initiative. Now the pressure lies on those capitals who have yet to show support for sexual reproductive health and protect women’s right to choose. The European Commission must commit to facilitating the use of these funds by  Member States and to prioritise the support of women’s and abortions rights everywhere in the EU.”