Strasbourg, France (Reuters) – December 17, 2025
The European Parliament voted on Wednesday to endorse the "My Voice, My Choice" European Citizens' Initiative, which aims to enhance access to safe and legal abortion across the European Union through a proposed EU-funded financial mechanism.
The initiative, supported by over 1.1 million verified signatures from citizens across the bloc, calls for the creation of a voluntary, opt-in fund. This would allow women from member states with restrictive abortion laws—such as near-total bans in Malta and Poland, or limited access in countries like Italy and Croatia—to travel to another EU country for the procedure at no personal cost.
The non-binding resolution passed with 358 votes in favor, 202 against, and 79 abstentions. Proponents argue that it would reduce unsafe abortions and support women's reproductive rights without altering national laws. Critics, including some conservative and far-right lawmakers, view it as an overreach into national competencies.
The European Commission is expected to issue its formal response and decide on any follow-up actions by March 2026. While the Parliament's endorsement carries symbolic weight, the Commission is not obligated to adopt the proposal, as seen with previous citizens' initiatives.
Stay updated with the latest news from Greece and around the world on greekcitytimes.com.
Contact our newsroom to share your updates, stories, photos, or videos. Follow GCT on Google News and Apple News.
