The European Secularist Network welcomes the European Parliament’s adoption of a resolution calling for the implementation of the European citizens’ initiative My Voice My Choice. With this vote, the Parliament clearly affirms its support for safe and legal access to abortion for all women in Europe.
The resolution was adopted by 358 votes in favour, 202 against and 79 abstentions, demonstrating broad support among MEPs for an initiative backed by more than 1.2 million European citizens. This result confirms that the right to abortion remains a political priority for a majority of the European Parliament.
This vote is all the more significant given that it took place in a context of strong attempts to obstruct it. Far-right groups sought to block the process by tabling motions for resolutions calling on the European Commission not to follow up on the citizens’ initiative. These texts were clearly rejected by Parliament, which refused to endorse strategies aimed at weakening democracy and denying women’s rights.
Furthermore, external ideological pressure, notably a call from COMECE (Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union) inviting MEPs not to support the initiative, did not prevent the Parliament from fulfilling its responsibilities.
The message sent is unambiguous: European decisions must be based on fundamental rights, public health and equality, not on religious or conservative injunctions.
By supporting My Voice My Choice and rejecting attempts to block it, the European Parliament is affirming that the right to abortion is inseparable from women’s rights to health, dignity and autonomy, and that it is fully in line with the values of the European Union.
It is now up to the European Commission to give its opinion on this initiative before the end of March 2026. We call on the Commission to assume its responsibilities, to respect the will expressed by citizens and Parliament, and to adopt the implementation of the ECI My Voice My Choice.
We will remain particularly attentive and vigilant regarding the follow-up to this resolution and will continue our advocacy work in favour of effective, safe and legal access to abortion throughout the European Union.
