The European Parliament has taken a decisive step for women’s rights in Europe, endorsing a European citizens’ initiative that aims to improve access to abortion care through a voluntary, EU-backed financial solidarity mechanism. The vote marks a rare and powerful moment in which citizen mobilisation has directly shaped the European political agenda.
A vote driven by citizens
On Wednesday, MEPs adopted the resolution by 358 votes in favour, 202 against and 79 abstentions. The text responds directly to the ‘My Voice, My Choice’ European citizens’ initiative, which gathered more than 1.12 million verified signatures from across the EU, surpassing the threshold required for formal consideration by the European Commission.
The initiative calls for concrete European action to address inequalities in access to safe and legal abortion, particularly in countries where women continue to face legal, financial or practical barriers.
Persistent gaps in abortion access
In the resolution, Parliament underlines that many women in Europe still lack full access to safe and legal abortion services. MEPs express concern about the continued existence of restrictive laws, limited availability of services, and practical obstacles that force women to travel, delay care or seek unsafe alternatives.
Member States where abortion access remains restricted are urged to reform their legislation and policies in line with international human rights standards, ensuring that women’s health and autonomy are fully protected.
A voluntary European solidarity mechanism
At the heart of the initiative is a proposal for an opt-in financial mechanism, open to all EU countries on a voluntary basis and supported by EU funding. Under this mechanism, participating Member States would be able to provide access to the safe termination of pregnancies, in accordance with their domestic laws, to women who lack access to safe and legal abortion in their home countries.
The proposal does not harmonise abortion laws across the EU, but instead introduces a solidarity-based approach that allows willing countries to support women facing barriers elsewhere.
Strengthening sexual and reproductive rights
MEPs reaffirm the EU’s role in supporting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and call for stronger European action to safeguard bodily autonomy. The resolution stresses the importance of universal access to family planning information, affordable contraception, safe and legal abortion, and quality maternal healthcare.
The Parliament frames these rights as fundamental components of healthcare, equality and human dignity, rather than ideological or political choices.
Pushback against women’s rights
The resolution also addresses broader concerns about a growing backlash against women’s rights and gender equality, both in Europe and globally. MEPs warn of increasing attacks on sexual and reproductive rights, as well as targeted pressure on women’s rights defenders.
Anti-gender movements seeking to undermine equality and human rights are strongly condemned, with Parliament emphasising the need for vigilance and political commitment to protect hard-won freedoms.
“This is what democracy is about”
Following the vote, rapporteur Abir Al-Sahlani (Renew, Sweden) described the outcome as a major victory for women and for European democracy.
“This vote is a huge win for every woman in Europe. The EU has finally shown that sexual and reproductive healthcare is a basic human right,” she said.
“The citizens of the EU raised their voices and showed they care about women’s lives, health, and rights. And the European Parliament delivered. This initiative shows what is possible when citizens and institutions join forces. This is what democracy is about.”
What happens next
The European Commission now has until March 2026 to outline the measures it intends to take in response to the initiative. These may be legislative or non-legislative, but the Commission is required to clearly justify its chosen course of action.
The decision will be closely watched, as it will determine whether this unprecedented citizen-led push translates into concrete policy changes at EU level.