EU Plan to Fund Cross-Border Abortions Sparks Fierce Backlash in Europe
The EU Commission has proposed a controversial plan to fund abortions for women travelling from countries with strict abortion laws. The initiative would use EU Social Funds to pay for private procedures in other member states. Officials claim the move will ensure access to 'safe abortions' and protect women's health.
Currently, only two EU nations maintain strict abortion restrictions. Malta bans the procedure entirely, except when the mother's life is at risk. Poland permits abortions up to 12 weeks or in cases of rape, incest, or severe fetal defects. Both countries have resisted pressure to change their laws in recent years.
In Malta, lawmakers rejected multiple attempts to liberalise abortion rules, including parliamentary bills in 2021 and a referendum in 2023. Poland's government upheld a 2020 Constitutional Tribunal ruling despite widespread protests, with no legal changes made even after the 2023 elections.
The EU Commission's plan has drawn sharp criticism. Opponents argue it oversteps the bloc's authority, as ethical and family policy decisions remain under national control. Critics also accuse the Commission of misusing public funds to bypass member states' sovereignty.
EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib defended the proposal, stating it would 'save lives' by offering women access to abortions they cannot obtain at home. The initiative follows years of lobbying by pro-abortion activists pushing for uniform EU-wide rules.
If approved, the scheme would allow women from restrictive countries to seek abortions abroad with EU financial support. The proposal highlights ongoing tensions between national laws and EU intervention in sensitive ethical issues. Member states with strict bans, like Malta and Poland, are likely to face renewed political pressure as a result.
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