The European Commission has decided not to establish a new separate fund to reimburse abortion services in Europe. With this, it rejects the petition supported by over one million European citizens through the citizen initiative My Voice, My Choice.
The initiative called for an EU measure allowing countries to provide abortion care to foreign women who do not have access in their own country and therefore travel to another EU member state. According to the European Commission, such a new instrument is unnecessary because existing subsidies can already be used.
Reimbursement of Costs
The Commission refers to the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). This fund aims to reduce inequality and provide social support. According to the Commission, EU countries can use this fund to provide assistance, provided it complies with their national legislation.
Promotion
The ESF+ can be used, among other things, to reimburse costs for women who must travel to another country for an abortion. Activists emphasize that this includes not only medical expenses but also travel costs where necessary.
National Policy
The responsibility lies explicitly with the EU countries. They decide themselves if and how they use the fund, select projects, and set up their own management and control systems. In some countries, the fund can already be used for healthcare; in others, programs may need to be adjusted first.
In December, the European Parliament voiced support for the citizen initiative’s proposal. At the same time, opponents pointed out that abortion policy is a national competence under the treaties.
Disappointed
The initiators call the Commission’s decision a victory because it is the first time explicitly confirmed that EU funds may be used to support access to abortion care. At the same time, they express disappointment that no additional, specific funding is coming.
According to the Commission, the existing fund offers sufficient opportunities. Member states that want to do so can relatively quickly provide support through existing subsidy channels, according to Brussels. This shifts the focus from Brussels to national governments, who must decide whether to make use of this possibility.