MEPs Overwhelmingly Vote In Favour Of Including Abortion As EU Fundamental Right
MEPs have strongly voted to include safe and legal access to abortion as an EU fundamental right, in a resolution on the Roe v. Wade decision.
They are strongly condemning America’s recent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, also stressing that all EU countries should guarantee safe and legal access to free abortion.
“The right to abortion should be included in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, MEPs urged in a resolution on the US Supreme Court decision to overturn abortion rights in the United States and the need to safeguard abortion rights and women’s health in the EU.”
The resolution was adopted with an overwhelming 324 in favour, 155 against and 38 abstentions.
A proposal should now be submitted to the Council to amend Article 7 of the Charter adding that “everyone has the right to safe and legal abortion.”
MEPs expect the European Council to meet to discuss a Convention to revise the EU Treaties, as already stated in their resolution of 9th June.
They urge member states to decriminalise abortion, and to remove and combat the remaining legal, financial, social and practical restrictions still hampering access in some member states.
MEPs also expressed their solidarity with and support for women and girls in the US, as well as to those involved in both providing and advocating for the right and access to legal and safe abortion care in such challenging circumstances.
As it stands, Malta is the last EU country which still has a blanket ban on abortion, creating unprecedented problems for those that would require this form of healthcare.
This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author’s view. The European Parliament is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.
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