Europe 1 with AFP 4:48 p.m., July 07, 2022
MEPs meeting in Strasbourg called for the inclusion of abortion in the fundamental rights of the European Union.
With 324 votes in favor, this request could lead to the guarantee of the right to abortion in all the countries of the Union.
They are still three to restrict more or less harshly abortion on their territory.
The European Parliament asked Thursday, July 7 that the right to abortion be included in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU after its challenge in the United States.
"Everyone has the right to benefit from a safe and legal abortion": by 324 votes, MEPs, meeting in plenary session in Strasbourg, decided to ask the Council, which represents the Member States, to include this right in the charter of fundamental rights.
Among those elected, 155 voted against and 38 abstained.
Three EU countries restrict abortion
Since the US Supreme Court revoked the right to abortion, many countries around the world want to protect their abortion laws.
In France, the presidential party LREM wishes in particular to include "respect for abortion" in the French Constitution.
Within the European Union, only three countries do not authorize voluntary termination of pregnancy without conditions.
The last to have legalized abortion is Ireland, in 2019. Until then, Ireland was one of the most restrictive countries on the right to abortion.
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In Finland, abortion is permitted in several specific cases.
It is accepted for those under 17 and over 40, after four children or due to economic, social or health difficulties.
The Scandinavian country also authorizes the use of abortion up to the twelfth week if the pregnancy follows a rape, if the health of the pregnant person is threatened or for economic and social reasons.
In Poland, abortion is prohibited, except in certain special cases including rape or danger to the life of the pregnant person.
The country had tried to ban it completely in 2016. In 2020, Warsaw restricted the conditions for resorting to abortion, by prohibiting the possibility of abortion in the event of a serious malformation of the fetus.
This type of abortion concerned 90% of cases in Poland.
The most restrictive country on the practice is Malta, which completely prohibits abortion.
People aborting or doctors practicing abortion are considered criminals and risk imprisonment.
The request of MEPs to the European Council could make abortion completely legal in these three countries.