European Parliament endorses strong position on family planning, sexual and reproductive health and rights

Source: S.H. (Sophie) in 't Veld i, published on Friday, March 29 2019.

EU long-term budget 2021-2027 - European Parliament endorses strong position on family planning, sexual and reproductive health and rights

Today in Strasbourg, the European Parliament (EP) expressed its strong support for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender equality, and the empowerment of women, youth and children in the EU’s next long-term budget. The EP adopted its position on the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) which determines the EU’s development funding priorities between 2021-2027. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) approved the text by 420 votes in favour, with 146 against and 102 abstentions.

MEPs want the European Union to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights as part of a rights-based approach to its development assistance. They call for EU support to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and sexuality education, and the promotion of research into new and improved tools for sexual and reproductive healthcare and family planning.

Speaking after the vote, MEP Heidi Hautala and MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld, co-chairs of MEPs for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (SRR) highlight:

 “Universal and comprehensive access to SRHR will save lives, help realise human rights, achieve gender equality and contribute to sustainable development. The EU has committed in its European Consensus on Development to proactively promote the realisation of SRHR. This includes the right of every individual to have full control over, and decide freely and responsibly on matters related to their sexual and reproductive health, free from discrimination, coercion and violence,” says MEP Heidi Hautala, co-chair of MEPs for SRR. 

“The European Parliament has given a strong signal today that we are determined to make the EU live up to its international and European commitments and obligations on sexual and reproductive health and rights. We hope that EU member states will not dilute this position in the upcoming trialogue negotiations. Together, we need to take up global leadership on this issue,” stresses MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld, co-chair of MEPs for SRR.

Find the adopted text here.

MEPs for SRR is an all-party group in the European Parliament with members drawn from across political groups and EU member states to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights.

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