The European Parliament has endorsed the European Citizens’ Initiative ‘My Vote, My Choice’, which aims to improve access to safe and legal abortion for women in Europe. The initiative proposes the creation of a voluntary financial solidarity mechanism, supported by European funding, through which Member States can support women without access to such care.
In the text adopted by a majority, the European Parliament notes that serious legal and practical barriers to access to safe and legal abortion still exist in a number of Member States. MEPs call on these countries to align their legislation and policies with international human rights standards.
The resolution was adopted with 358 votes in favour, 202 against and 79 abstentions. It invites the European Commission to consider setting up a voluntary financial contribution mechanism open to all EU Member States. The aim is to provide access to safe termination of pregnancy in accordance with national legislation for women who do not have real access to such a service.
MEPs underline the European Union’s role in supporting sexual and reproductive health and rights, including the right to bodily autonomy, access to family planning information, contraception, safe and legal abortion and quality maternal healthcare.
The document also expresses concern about the growing attacks on women’s rights and gender equality in Europe and around the world, as well as the restriction of sexual and reproductive health rights.
The citizens’ initiative ‘My Vote, My Choice’ has collected more than 1.12 million signatures from EU citizens, making it one of the most successful European citizens’ initiatives since the introduction of this instrument with the Lisbon Treaty. In December 2025, its organisers took part in a public hearing in the European Parliament.
The European Commission has until March 2026 to announce whether and what legislative or illegal measures it will take in response to the initiative.