After a parliamentary debate on wednesdayMEPs adopted on Thursday, by 364 votes in favour, 154 against and 37 abstentions, a resolution in which they remind the Supreme Court of the United States that it must respect the Roe v. Wade ruling (1973), which grants protection constitutional right to abortion in the country.
They urge US President Biden and his administration to ensure safe and legal access to abortion. MEPs reiterate their request to the Government of Texas to immediately repeal Law 8 of the state Senate and ask other US states with similar laws to adapt their legislation to the internationally protected human rights of women
MEPs say bans and other restrictions on abortion disproportionately affect women in poverty. They highlight the situation of women who, due to financial or logistical barriers, cannot afford to travel to reproductive health clinics in neighboring states or countries, and who are at greater risk of undergoing unsafe and life-threatening procedures.
Consequences of the US abortion ban for other women
The plenary is deeply concerned about the possible global consequences if Roe’s verdict against Wade is overturned. MEPs stress that countries that depend on US financial aid to finance their public health programs could backtrack on their commitment to perform abortions and guarantee other reproductive rights. The European External Action Service, the Commission and all EU countries should offset any possible reduction in US funding for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) globally, and prioritize universal access to safe and law in its foreign relations. Parliament proposes that doctors persecuted for this reason be offered refuge.
EU countries must decriminalize abortion
As far as the EU countries are concerned, the MEPs urge the Member States to decriminalize abortion and eliminate and combat the obstacles that prevent safe and legal abortion, as well as access to SRHR services, which must be guaranteed without engage in any kind of discrimination. Medical professionals should not deny women access to abortion for religious or conscientious reasons, as this may endanger the patient’s life.
Background
The US Supreme Court could vote to strike down nationwide protection of the right to abortion. This would allow each US state to decide whether to restrict or ban abortion.
Almost all deaths from unsafe abortions occur in countries where access to abortion is highly restricted. If the ban were to go into effect, it is estimated that the number of deaths from unsafe abortions in the US would increase by 21% in two years.
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