In response to the European Citizens' Initiative through the organisation My voice, my choice: for safe and accessible abortion, the European Commission recognized that unsafe abortions (around 483.000 per year in Europe according to the WHO) are a public health problem.

The initiative aimed to establish a financial solidarity mechanism to ensure access to safe and legal abortion for all people living in an EU country where it is not available or accessible, by traveling to a Member State where the service is legal and receiving financial support. In short, the idea was to create a system to overcome inequalities in access within the EU. The request was based on the observation that approximately 20 million women in Europe lack access to safe abortion due to local laws, according to My Voice, My Choice.

The Commission has clarified that health policy is the primary responsibility of the Member States, which decide their own laws on the matter independently. EU support can still be provided through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) programme. Member States may decide to avail themselves of it on a voluntary basis and in accordance with their national law, in particular by using or reallocating resources available under their respective ESF+ programmes.

The Fund could be used to improve women's access to legally available and affordable abortion services. The ESF+ can support Member States' efforts, while ensuring their autonomy in determining the terms and conditions for access to safe and legal abortion.

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