[Brussels, 19 February 2014] Together with a wide range of European and Spanish NGOs, the European Women’s Lobby took part in the Conference on “Sexual and Reproductive rights in the EU. Set-back of rights in Spain” to defend women’s right to decide over their lives and their bodies.
The Conference, organised by the Spanish PSE Delegation, was opened by Ms. Elena Valenciano, vicepresident of the PSOE, Ms. Zita Gurmai (MEP and President of PSE-Women) and Ms. Iratxe García (MEP).
Irene Rosales, Policy Officer at the European Women’s Lobby, informed about the main current challenges that are impeding women in Europe to fully enjoy their Sexual and reproductive health and rights, including abortion. “SRHR are inextricably linked to gender equality and are a essential element to ensure women’s empowerment and to prevent and mitigate violence against women“. In this framework, the EWL denounced that the draft bill proposed by the Spanish Government will lead to a 30 years back-guards regarding the rights of women and the failure of the Government to fulfil its fundamental role to promote gender equality and human rights.
From the International Panned Parenthood Federation European Network, Irene Donadio, explained the attacks to the access to abortion in Europe.
Marisa Soleto, Director of Fundación Mujeres, explained how the proposed draft bill will profoundly undermine women’s freedom to choose and will put in danger women’s lives.
Furhtermore, a wide range of women’s organisations and other professional associations from Spain took the floor to denounce the new draft bill and call for its complete withdrawal: The Platform Decidir nos hace libres, CELEM (the Spanish Coordination to the EWL), Mujeres Juristas Themis, the Spanish Association of Neuropsychiatry, the General council of social worker in Spain, The Association for a Healthy Ageing, the Spanish Federation of young women, etc.
All the organisations called the EU to ensure women’s free choice to sexual and reproductive rights in all countries in Europe, including Spain.
