MEPs approve historic decision to include abortion in EU fundamental rights

This Thursday, the European Parliament (EP) approved a historic decision calling for the inclusion of all women’s sexual and reproductive rights, including the right to abortion, in the European Union (EU) Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The resolution was approved by 336 votes in favor, 163 against and 39 abstentions, and in the document MEPs demand that the right to abortion be enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, a demand that has been put forward for a long time, but the recommendation must be approved unanimously in the EU Council and is unlikely to will be accepted, so effective inclusion may be no more than an intention.

The European Parliament condemned the rollback of women’s rights in several countries, including 27, namely the introduction of restrictions on abortion and sexual and reproductive health care.

MEPs want Article 3 of the Community bloc’s Charter of Fundamental Rights to be amended to include that “everyone has the right to physical autonomy, free, informed, full and universal access to health, sexual rights and reproductive health services, and all related medical services.” without discrimination, including access to safe and legal abortion.”

In the text, approved by a majority vote, the European Parliament demands the full decriminalization of abortion in all EU countries, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization, and the removal of any obstacles faced by women.

In the recommendation, MEPs condemned episodes in which abortion is denied by medical professionals and even medical institutions, citing “conscience,” denying this right in countries where it is already included in national legislation, and even endangering the “life or health” of the patient. health.”

At the same time, MEPs want to remove the legal, financial, social and practical barriers that limit access to abortion and sexual health services, which particularly harm women living in poverty.