Self-determination under pressure? The right to abortion in Europe

Abstract

The Dossier introduces how European institutions deal with the right to abortion. It focuses on political initiatives that the European Parliament is actively involved in. In an interview, Caroline Hickson, Regional Director of the International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network (IPPF EN), and Leah Hoctor, Senior Regional Director for Europe at the Center for Reproductive Rights, talk about how their organisations campaign for the right to abortion in Europe and what type of support they need and demand from the European Union. This is even more important against the backdrop of reactionary counter forces who are transnationally connected: Opponents of a right to abortion do not just seek to ban pregnancy terminations, they also question gender equality across Europe. As a result, they threaten democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.