Access to contraception remains a worry within the EU

Source: S.H. (Sophie) in 't Veld i, published on Wednesday, April 25 2018.

Recently, the General Court of the European Union rendered a judgement concerning the 'One of us' initiative. It confirms the decision of the Commission not to submit a legislative proposal in the light of this initiative. The initiative aimed to end the EU financing of activities which presuppose the use of human embryos (in particular in the areas of research, development aid and public health), and also including the direct or indirect funding of abortion.[1] This judgement is a welcome development.

However, clearly the fight to access to abortion and contraception in Europe an ongoing one. The recent Contraception Atlas makes clear that much is yet to be done regarding contraception in many EU countries. Ms In 't Veld attended the event where this 2018 Contraception Atlas was launched. On the basis of the worrying findings Ms In 't Veld has posed follow up questions to the European Commission.

[1] https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2018-04/cp180052en.pdf

Question for written answer

to the Commission

Rule 130

Sophia in 't Veld (ALDE)

Subject: Access to Contraception in the EU

The recent study “Contraception Atlas”[1] shows that there are serious and widening gaps regarding the access, choice and quality of contraception methods within the EU. While the EU supports access to contraception externally, such as through financial support to the UNFPA’s “Supplies” programme, within the EU there is a lack of urgency and coherence on this matter. This is all the more worrying in light of the backsliding on women’s rights and access to contraception in some Member States. In light of this,

  • 1) 
    Does the Commission agree that access to contraception is a vital part of any public health policy, in particular to safeguard Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)?
  • 2) 
    How will the Commission ensure equal access for all to contraception throughout EU, through policy measures as well as funding, including through the EU Health Programme?
  • 3) 
    Does the Commission consider it necessary to update the EU Health Strategy to promote access to contraception across the EU?

[1]     https://www.contraceptioninfo.eu/node/7

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