CV NEWS FEED // The largest pro-life coalition in Europe issued a statement decrying the European Parliament’s majority vote in favor of a resolution that would enshrine a “right to abortion” in the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Members voted 336-163 on the amendment on April 11. There were 39 members absent.
The pro-life coalition One of Us European Foundation, comprised of 60 NGOs from over 20 countries that are members of the European Union, condemned the vote in a statement to CatholicVote.
“Apart from the non-binding nature of this text, the European Parliament, fails once again to uphold the fundamental right to life and neglects the principle of subsidiarity, thus overstepping the EU’s treaties and encroaching upon the sovereignty of Member States,” One of Us European Foundation stated:
Crafted by pro-abortion groups, this resolution forgets to care for women by making of a traumatic experience a fundamental value of the EU. It also represents a significant departure from the principles of respect for life and subsidiarity, which are foundational to the European project.
A European Parliament news release stated: “MEPs condemn the backsliding on women’s rights and all attempts to restrict or remove existing protections for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality taking place globally, including in the EU member states.”
The MEPs in favor want to amend Article 3 of the Charter to read: “everyone has the right to bodily autonomy, to free, informed, full and universal access to SRHR, and to all related healthcare services without discrimination, including access to safe and legal abortion”.
The amendment would fully decriminalize abortion in all states that are members of the EU, including the notably pro-life countries Poland and Malta.
President of One of Us European Federation Marina Casini stated, “It is deeply concerning to witness the European Parliament prioritize radicalized political agendas over the fundamental rights and values that underpin our societies. This resolution not only disregards the dignity of human life but also undermines the sovereignty of Member States in addressing such sensitive matters.”
The MEPs are also calling on the EU to stop all funding for pro-life groups and instead direct such funds towards pro-abortion organizations and groups.
According to the news release, other demands of the pro-abortion MEPs are:
Abortion methods and procedures should be an obligatory part of the curriculum for doctors and medical students, Parliament says.
Member states should ensure access to the full range of SRHR services including comprehensive and age-appropriate sexuality and relationship education.
Accessible, safe and free contraceptive methods and supplies, and family planning counseling, should be made available, with special attention paid to reaching vulnerable groups.
One of Us European Foundation stressed in its news release that “this resolution holds no binding authority. Its passage amidst the backdrop of upcoming EU elections underscores the political motivations driving certain MEPs to advance their pro-abortion stance.”
The coalition’s statement concluded:
As we navigate these critical moments, the One of Us European Federation is confident in the work carried out by local NGOs to help women experiencing hard times and distress. Each life has value and mothers deserve the support of society to be able to carry their babies.
