Historic Parliament vote passes
The European Parliament approves an EU fund to broaden abortion access across the bloc in a landmark vote that splits lawmakers. The voluntary, opt-in mechanism aids women unable to obtain care in their home country who travel to nations with liberal laws.
European citizens propose the plan via the “My Voice, My Choice” campaign petition. Strasbourg MEPs vote 358 in favor, 202 against, with 79 abstentions.
Renew’s Abir Al-Sahlani, tabling the resolution for the women’s rights committee, calls it “a huge win for every woman in Europe,” affirming sexual and reproductive health care as a basic human right.
Voluntary fund details
The resolution presses the Commission to create an opt-in mechanism open to all EU countries voluntarily. Participating member states provide safe pregnancy termination services under their domestic laws to women without local access.
MEPs highlight the EU’s role in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including family planning, affordable contraception, safe abortion, and maternal healthcare. They demand stronger European action to protect bodily autonomy and universal SRHR access.
Right-wing split enables passage
Parliament expresses deep worry over rising backlash against women’s rights and gender equality in Europe and worldwide. MEPs spotlight SRHR rollbacks and attacks on women’s rights defenders.
The vote bucks the Parliament’s rightward shift on migration and deregulation, offering center-left forces a rare victory post-2024 elections. Liberals and leftists feared a conservative majority would weaken or kill the resolution.
The largest group, the European People’s Party, splits and lets the original text pass. Campaign coordinator Nika Kovač tells Politico the outcome proves a “silent majority” backs reproductive rights across the spectrum.
Far-right MEP Alexander Jungbluth yells “You are disgusting” at celebrating MEPs outside the hemicycle.
Debate highlights divisions
Supporters argue the fund cuts unsafe abortions and ensures equal rights bloc-wide. Opponents from conservative and far-right groups decry it as ideological overreach into national policy.
Socialists and Democrats MEP Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus says the initiative “was born in the hearts of people” as a plea for freedom, health and equality. Greens MEP Terry Reintke quips, “All I want for Christmas is for this vote to pass.”
Patriots for Europe MEP Margarita de la Pisa Carrión calls it a “betrayal,” questioning Commission competence in abortion funding.
Equality Commissioner Hadja Lahbib clarifies the Commission sees supportive competence in health promotion funding, but stresses respect for member states’ health policy control. The initiative avoids interfering with national abortion laws.
Impact on cross-border travel
Abortion rules differ sharply: near-total bans in Poland and Malta contrast liberal access in the Netherlands and UK. The fund targets thousands of women traveling yearly for care.
The European Commission has until March 2026 to set out any measures – legislative or non -legislative – it intends to take and to justify its decision.
Source: Politico, European Parliament News
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