BRUSSELS, 27.02.2026
The European Women’s Lobby welcomes the European Commission’s positive response to the My Voice, My Choice European Citizens’ Initiative, which sets out a clear pathway for EU funding to ensure access to abortion care across the Union.
The Commission’s proposal confirms that the EU has the competence to support Member States in providing reproductive care. For the first time, it makes clear that existing EU funding, such as the European Social Fund+ (ESF+), can mobilised to support access to safe abortion care, including covering medical services as well as travel and accommodation costs where needed.
While this decision is historic, the European Women’s Lobby stresses that redirecting existing funds alone is insufficient. We call on Member States and the European Parliament to create a new dedicated funding stream to implement the My Voice, My Choice initiative. With adequate funding, political commitment, and clear operational guidance, the EU can turn this historic opportunity into safe access to reproductive care and transform women’s lives across Europe.
We are proud to have supported the My Voice, My Choice European Citizens’ Initiative, and congratulate the activists, citizens, and civil society organisations whose unprecedented mobilisation, over one million signatures, backed by 170 organisations and a majority of the European Parliament, made this achievement possible. Their voices demonstrate clearly that safe and legal abortion is a fundamental right that requires urgent EU action.
Dina Loghin, the President of the European Women’s Lobby, said:
“The decision proves that this is our Europe, which we are proud of! And we are here to continue fighting for women’s rights and interests and for their real access to care across Europe.” This step must now translate into tangible improvements in women’s lives. The European Women’s Lobby calls on the European Commission to:
- Adopt clear and detailed operational guidelines without delay, ensuring legal certainty for Member States and clarity for women seeking care;
- Facilitate structured exchanges of good practices between Member States to guarantee consistent and effective use of ESF+ funding;
- Establish accessible information mechanisms so that women are aware of their rights and available support;
- Commit to strengthening and expanding financial resources for sexual and reproductive health and rights in the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
The pathway now exists. It is time for Member States to act with political courage and ensure that no woman in Europe is denied safe and legal abortion care.
Photo Credit: Črt Piksi
