Ultimately, it's about who should decide over a woman's body, says Swedish MEP Abir Al-Sahlani (C), who has been driving the issue.
20 million women live in EU countries where the issue is decided by politicians, political majorities - or perhaps men who never have to bear the consequences of an unwanted pregnancy.
She refers, among other things, to Malta, where abortion is illegal except when the woman's life is threatened, and Poland, which has similar rules but where abortion is also permitted if the pregnancy was caused by incest or rape.
Over a million
In December, Al-Sahlani won a partial victory when the EU Parliament approved a non-binding resolution on the issue with a large majority. All Swedish MEPs except for SD voted yes.
The basis is a citizens' initiative called "My voice, my choice" that has collected over 1.1 million signatures. Now it is up to the European Commission to decide whether it will become a reality.
Abir Al-Sahlani emphasizes that the proposal does not require any changes to the law. Instead, a mechanism will be created, a voluntary system with financial support for those who have to travel to have an abortion so that “wallet and zip code” do not decide. The center-right member describes it as Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's chance to secure her political legacy.
In several countries - such as the US, India and parts of Latin America - abortion is a problematic issue. Now the Commission can show the Trumpists and MAGA that it stands up for women, she says.
Banner with fetus
But the abortion initiative is also generating anger and opposition, mainly from conservative and Catholic countries. Recently, Greek Cypriot MEP Geadis Geadi, who sits in the same party group as the Swedish SD, hung a giant banner on the parliament building in Strasbourg. It depicted a fetus with the text “It is a life, not a choice,” reports Euractiv.
“My voice, my choice” is also gaining momentum through a letter addressed to Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management. In it, ministers from nine countries call for “careful consideration” to “ensure fundamental rights, dignity and equality.” Among those who have signed is Minister of Health Elisabet Lann (KD).
The European Commission must make a decision on the matter by March 2, six months after the citizens' initiative was submitted. There are many indications that the decision will come this week.
