EU confirms social fund can be used for access to safe abortions

The European Commission said member states may use an existing EU social fund to cover access to safe abortions for women travelling from countries with restrictive laws, in response to a citizens' initiative that gathered over one million signatures.

The European Commission said member states may use an existing EU social fund to pay for safe abortions for women who travel from EU countries with restrictive laws. The statement was issued as a formal response to the "My Voice, My Choice" European Citizens' Initiative, which collected more than one million signatures. The Commission did not create a new EU funding instrument but said resources from the existing fund can be used or reallocated for this purpose. Known details: - The Commission said national governments may use or reallocate the existing EU social fund to ensure access to safe abortion care for women from other member states. - The announcement was made in response to the "My Voice, My Choice" citizens' initiative that surpassed one million signatures, triggering a required formal reply from the Commission. - The Commission stopped short of endorsing a new, EU-wide funding mechanism; practical use depends on member states applying existing funds. Summary: The Commission's position clarifies that EU social funds can be deployed to cover access to safe abortions for women affected by restrictive national laws, a response welcomed by campaigners and criticised by some opponents. Undetermined at this time.