Summary
The European Commission informed EU countries they can use existing funds to support safe abortions after a petition gathered 1.1 million signatures. The Commission did not create new funding, but suggested using the "European Social Fund Plus" for this purpose. Health policies in the EU are decided by individual countries, meaning each nation can choose how to spend their funds.
Key Facts
- The European Commission advised using existing EU funds for safe abortions.
- A citizens' petition received 1.1 million signatures supporting this initiative.
- The Commission did not introduce new funding, but recommended the "European Social Fund Plus."
- Health policy decisions are made by each EU member country independently.
- Nearly 500,000 unsafe abortions occur in Europe each year, according to Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib.
- Abortion laws vary across the EU; some countries like Malta and Poland have strict bans.
- Women often travel within or between EU countries for safe abortions.
- The European Citizens' Initiative allows EU actions if campaigners collect enough signatures.
