PP and Vox vote against

The plenary session of the European Chamber approved this Thursday – by a large majority of 336 votes in favor, 163 against and 39 abstentions – a resolution what does he ask enshrine abortion in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The European Parliament also calls on all Member States to fully decriminalize abortion.

France became the first country to enshrine the right to abortion in its Constitution on March 4, 2024. But healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health, is a national competence. Change the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights to include abortion would require unanimous agreement of all Member Stateswhich is not on the horizon right now.

The resolution of the European Parliament has been supported by the PSOE MEPs and their allies from Sumar, Podemos, Junts, PNV, ERC and BNG. The parliamentarians of the Popular Party and Vox have voted against, while the Ciudadanos delegation has been divided: The majority voted in favor, but José Ramón Bauzá and Susana Solís said 'no'.

[El Tribunal Supremo de Arizona revive una ley de 1864 para prohibir el aborto en el estado]

Specifically, the European Parliament demands to amend article 3 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights with the following wording: “Every person has the right to physical autonomy and free, informed, full and universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as to all related health services, including access to safe and legal abortionwithout discrimination”.

The MEPs condemn all attempts to restrict or eliminate existing protections for sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender equality globally, including in EU Member States.

The resolution calls on Member States to fully decriminalize abortion in line with the WHO guidelines 2022already eliminate and combat obstacles to abortion. In this regard, Parliament calls on the authorities of Poland and Malta to repeal their laws and other measures that prohibit and restrict it.

The MEPs condemn the refusal of doctors in some Member States to perform abortions, in some cases by entire medical institutions, on the basis of a “conscience” clause. They regret that this clause is often used in situations where any delay endangers the life or health of the patient.

Parliament further demands ensure access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health and rights services, including age-appropriate sexuality and emotional education. Accessible, safe and free contraceptive methods and supplies, as well as family planning advice, should be made available, paying special attention to vulnerable groups, the text says.

Finally, the European Parliament calls for stopping EU funding for organizations that work against gender equality and women's rights, including reproductive rights. The text also insists that Member States and local administrations must increase spending on health and family planning programs and services.