EU opens social funding to help abortion access across the bloc

The European Commission said member states can use existing European Social Fund allocations to help citizens travel for legal abortion services, following the My Voice, My Choice campaign. Campaigners welcomed the decision while some groups said it conflicts with national health policy.

The European Commission announced that member states can draw on already allocated European Social Fund money to help people travel and access legal abortion services in other EU countries. The measure responds to the My Voice, My Choice citizens' initiative, which collected more than 1.2 million signatures and was backed by a majority of MEPs. Commission officials framed the change as a way to reduce the number of unsafe abortions reported in Europe. Some campaigners welcomed the move, while critics said it interferes with national health decisions. What happened: - The commission said member states may use existing European Social Fund allocations to support travel and access to legal abortion care in other EU countries. - The announcement follows the My Voice, My Choice initiative, which secured over 1.2 million signatures and prompted a formal response from the commission. - The commission did not allocate new, dedicated funding for abortion services and has not yet published detailed instructions for member states on using the funds. - Some organisations, including representatives of Ordo Iuris, criticised the move as an intrusion on national health policy. Summary: The change allows countries to repurpose existing social service funds to help people from states with restrictive laws access abortion services elsewhere, which campaigners describe as a political commitment to rights. The commission stopped short of creating new funding and has not set out implementation guidance. Undetermined at this time.