EU Backs Women's Rights with Cross-Border Abortion Initiative

The European Parliament voted for a scheme allowing women from countries with abortion restrictions to access free procedures in other EU states. The 'My Voice, My Choice' initiative aims to fund such services, facing both support and criticism amid Europe's evolving abortion rights landscape.

The European Union parliament has endorsed a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting women from countries with restrictive abortion laws. Dubbed 'My Voice, My Choice,' the scheme proposes the establishment of a fund, sourced from the EU budget, to enable women to access abortion services in other member states at no cost. This initiative primarily targets women from nations such as Malta and Poland, where near-total abortion bans exist, and Italy and Croatia, where access is limited.

The proposal, which received significant backing with 358 votes for and 202 against, also underscores Europe's broader move towards ensuring abortion accessibility. Despite some countries like the UK and France expanding abortion rights, the rise of far-right parties across Europe, many of which are staunchly anti-abortion, poses a challenge. Swedish MEP Abir Al-Sahlani emphasized the EU's commitment to gender equality and human rights in Strasbourg following the vote.

Critics, including various far-right and center-right MEPs, argue that the proposal infringes on national sovereignty and Christian values. Despite being an advisory move under the European Citizens' Initiative mechanism, the decision has sparked hope among proponents, including abortion rights activists, who see it as a way to prevent unsafe practices. Still, the European Commission faces a pivotal decision in March regarding its adoption.

(With inputs from agencies.)