During the plenary session (23-26 November) in the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs debate the Abortion rights in Poland. Opening statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality. This transcription speech is the result of an automatic process. Check against delivery.

Brussels

statement

debate

plenary session

EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights (T)

EU - Poland (T)

violence against women (T)

DALLI, Helena (MT, EC)

Abortion rights in Poland: Opening statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/18240868/I199144Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

SOUNDBITE (Original), Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, Dear honourable members, protecting women's rights is my mission as commissioner. And also my personal fight and you know this. And you also know we all do that high quality sexual and reproductive health services are essential to women and girls. This includes access to contraception, prevention and treatment of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, infertility and sex-specific cancers, and access to abortion.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, From a legal perspective, it is clear that the EU has no competence on abortion rights within a member state, legislation in this area is up to the member state concerned. I will state factually that the recent decision by the Polish Constitutional Tribunal has restricted Poland's abortion law.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, As you know in the Article seven procedure launched by the commission in 2017, we raised concerns over the independence and legitimacy of the Polish Constitutional Tribunal. As recalled in the 2020 Rule of Law Report, these concerns have so far not been resolved.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, In the weeks following the Polish constitutional tribunal's decision, we have seen how many Polish citizens have taken to the streets, civil society, women and men protested in Poland. And I wholeheartedly hope that these voices are being heard and listened to. Strong women's rights are an asset and an achievement which the whole of Europe must be proud of.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality, But progress is hard won. And easily lost. And we see this in Europe and worldwide. As President von der Leyen said, backsliding is not an option for a continent that aims to win the future. So I look forward to working together with you to push forward on women's rights, and I know that I can count on your support. I thank you.