Photo by Gayatri Malhotra on Unsplash
Activists have launched the “My Voice, My choice for safe and accessible abortion” initiative.
The “ground breaking” drive, championed by prominent figures in the fight for reproductive rights, aims to secure over 1 million signatures over the next seven weeks before the EU elections.
It is said to mark the first step towards creating a fund to assist women who for whichever reason cannot access safe abortion care within the EU.
This would provide crucial financial support for women and, it is hoped, advance reproductive rights.
Despite the historical leap forward represented by the introduction of abortion rights into the French constitution, there are still 20 million women in the EU who lack access to safe abortion care.
Campaigners say that across Europe, “extreme rightwing parties and governments are attacking abortion rights.”
In Poland, Malta an almost complete ban is already in place. Just 2 weeks ago in Italy the government pushed through a law that “allows harassment of women inside of abortion clinics”, it is claimed.
A campaign spokesman said, “Seeing what happened in the US with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, activists are determined to protect and advance reproductive rights in Europe driven by the understanding that abortion is part of basic healthcare services and that the right to choose is a fundamental human right.”
Rights groups say they are petitioning the EU “to finally do what is in its power and pass legislation to create a fund that will offer financial support to member states so that anybody without discrimination can access abortion care services.”
Nika Kovac, coordinator of the My Voice, My Choice movement, said, “Because the EU and its politicians didn’t, we the citizens of Europe had to act.”
“Improving access to safe abortion for millions of women across Europe should be a top priority of the EU. The European Citizens’ Initiative is the only instrument of direct democracy on the level of the EU through which EU citizens can propose with 1 million signatures concrete action the EU Commission should take. The proposed EU legislation aims to establish a financial mechanism that would assist Member States in providing safe and legal abortion services, thereby addressing the needless suffering and fatalities resulting from inadequate access.”
“As individuals each of us can and should do everything within our power to protect the right to choose, protect fundamental freedoms, and protect women’s lives. And this should also apply to the EU,” added Kovac.
“Nobody should dictate what women should do. Our campaign is about protecting the right of every woman in Europe to make the choice for themselves, and to be able, if they so choose, to access safe, legal and free abortion services. After all, the evidence shows us that restricting access to abortion does not stop it from happening, but it does stop it happening safely.”
“Where abortion is not affordable, it creates a class divide in access. Those who have the means either pay privately, or travel in order to access the abortion services they need. Those without may put their own lives at risk by seeking unsafe alternatives. We want to ensure that every woman has a right to free and accessible abortion.”
“We know that a different Europe, Europe that takes care of everybody and leaves nobody behind is possible,” she added.
The collection of signatures is taking place via multiple online and offline activities including national events, protests, influencer operations and live stream social media actions.
