MEPs debate on the inclusion of the right to abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights with Council and Commission. The debate is wound up by a resolution, to be put to a vote in the April I part-session. Opening statement by Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

statement

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

FERREIRA, Elisa (S&D, PT, EC)

abortion rights (T)

women's rights (T)

Inclusion of the right to abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights: Opening statement by Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/75494248/1710404614412_I254479Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

SOUNDBITE (English), Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Mr. President, I am speaking here on behalf of my colleague, Commissioner Helena Dalli. In fact, the lack of access to safe and legal abortion can affect several fundamental rights, including human dignity and the right to equality and to the physical and mental integrity of the person. European Court of Human Rights has recognised the lack of access to abortion services as a violation of the right to family and private life.

SOUNDBITE (English), Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, When it comes to competence on that matter, article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides that healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health care, falls within the Members competence. Member States are responsible for the definition of their health priorities and the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care. The Union's competence is limited to encouraging cooperation between Member States and, if necessary, lending support to direction.

SOUNDBITE (English), Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, However, when making use of their competences, Member States must respect the rights enshrined in their national constitutions and comply with their commitments under international law. The Commission considers that everyone across the European Union should have adequate access to quality health care and treatment, and that sexual and reproductive health rights are at the core of gender equality. The Commission therefore supports regular exchanges between Member States and stakeholders on these matters, and that the mutual learning programme in gender equality.

SOUNDBITE (English), Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, The Commission also continues to fund civil society organisations working on gender equality, including sexual and reproductive health and rights through the citizens equality Rights and Values programme. Furthermore, it provides support to Member States efforts in implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals relevant to women's health, universal access to sexual and reproductive care, family planning and education. Regarding the inclusion of the right to abortion in the Charter, Article six of the Treaty on the European Union confirms that the rights, freedoms and principles set out in the Charter have the same legal value as the Treaties.

SOUNDBITE (English), Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, And an amendment of the Charter would accordingly follow the procedure to revise the treaties set out in Article 48 of the Treaty of the EU. A revision of the Charter requires a common accord of the Conference of Representatives of the Governments of all Member States. The revision would then be subject to approval in each Member State in accordance with national constitutional requirements. The Commission is determined to do everything within the remnants of its competence to advance fundamental rights. Thank you very, very much for your discussions and attention.