The European Parliament’s Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee has approved a report supporting the “My Voice, My Choice” European Citizens’ Initiative, which advocates for safe and accessible abortion across the European Union.
On Wednesday, the committee adopted both a draft resolution and an oral question to the European Commission by 26 votes in favor and 12 against. The actions follow the citizens’ initiative, which received over one million verified signatures from across the EU.
The resolution points out that many women in Europe still do not have full access to safe and legal abortion services. It highlights ongoing legal and practical barriers in several member states and calls on those countries to reform their laws and policies to align with international human rights standards.
In line with the initiative’s proposal, MEPs are urging the Commission to set up an opt-in financial mechanism supported by EU funds. This would be available voluntarily to all member states willing to participate, allowing them to provide access to safe pregnancy termination according to their national laws for individuals who currently lack such access.
MEPs also emphasized the EU’s role in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including universal access to family planning information, affordable contraception, safe abortion services, and maternal healthcare. They voiced concern about increasing opposition to women’s rights in Europe and globally, including efforts that seek to roll back SRHR or attack women’s rights defenders. The committee condemned anti-gender movements aiming to undermine equality and human rights.
With an oral question directed at the European Commission, MEPs intend to prepare for a plenary debate on how the Commission plans to respond to the initiative. A vote on a related resolution is expected after this debate.
After Wednesday’s vote, rapporteur Abir Al-Sahlani (Renew, Sweden) stated: “No woman should have to leave her country just to exercise her human rights. Sexual and reproductive healthcare is a basic human right. This vote is a huge win for everyone who stood behind the My Voice, My Choice movement. It shows that when people mobilise and act, they can push Europe to actually deliver. It’s proof that our Union can stand up for both women’s freedom of choice, and respect for national laws. This initiative shows what’s possible when citizens and institutions join forces to push for equality and democracy.”
The oral question and draft resolution are scheduled for inclusion in an upcoming plenary session of Parliament for debate followed by a vote. Additionally, a public hearing on “My Voice My Choice” will take place on December 2, 2025.
Earlier this year—on September 1—the European Commission validated submission of “My Voice My Choice” after it surpassed one million signatures from EU citizens.
