Europe's Divided Landscape on Reproductive Rights
Abortion legislation across the European Union presents a stark contrast between some of the world's most liberal frameworks and some of the most restrictive. According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, only 34 percent of women of reproductive age live in countries where abortion is available to them, with backstreet abortions causing approximately 39,000 deaths annually worldwide.
Constitutional Protection: France and Spain Lead the Way
France made history in March 2024 by becoming the first country worldwide to explicitly protect abortion rights in its constitution. President Emmanuel Macron declared, 'This is why I wish for this guaranteed freedom to resort to an abortion to be inscribed in the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights.' France allows abortion on request up to 14 weeks and can be provided by general practitioners and midwives.
Spain followed suit in October 2025, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announcing plans to enshrine abortion rights in the constitution. Sánchez stated, 'With this government, there will be no step backward in social rights.' This move came after Madrid's city council, supported by the conservative People's Party and far-right Vox, promoted unproven 'post-abortion syndrome' information. Spain currently allows abortion up to 14 weeks on request and 22 weeks for health reasons.
Liberal Access in Northern Europe
The Netherlands maintains one of Europe's most liberal abortion regimes, permitting termination on request up to 22-24 weeks with minimal procedural barriers. This makes the country a destination for cross-border abortion care. Sweden allows abortion up to 18 weeks without mandatory waiting periods, while Denmark permits termination up to 18 weeks and Finland up to 12 weeks.
Mixed Access with Procedural Hurdles
Germany presents a complex picture where abortion remains technically a criminal offense but isn't punishable if performed within the first 12 weeks after mandatory counseling and a three-day waiting period. Access varies significantly by region, with southern Catholic states presenting the greatest barriers.
Ireland, once a bastion of Catholic conservatism, legalized abortion in 2018 following a resounding referendum. However, many countries face practical barriers despite legal frameworks. As Italian bioethicist Chiara Lalli of the Luca Coscioni Association emphasized, 'Clearly, the issue has a moral dimension, but voluntary termination of pregnancy is first and foremost a medical service.'
Conscientious Objection and Access Challenges
Croatia and Italy face significant access issues due to high rates of conscientious objectors among medical professionals. In Italy, 63-80% of doctors refuse to perform abortions, creating substantial barriers despite legal availability up to 12 weeks. Similar challenges exist in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where medication abortion isn't registered for that purpose.
Most Restrictive Regimes: Malta and Poland
Malta maintains Europe's strictest abortion laws, criminalizing all terminations except when the mother's life is in immediate danger. According to the European Abortion Policy Atlas 2025, Malta scores just 3.7% in abortion access rankings.
Poland's situation remains particularly contentious. Despite Prime Minister Donald Tusk's campaign promise to make safe abortion accessible within 100 days, the near-total ban persists. Abortion is only permitted in cases of rape, incest, or risk to the pregnant person's health. Activist Anna Sikora expressed frustration, noting that parliamentary support for reform remains elusive.
European Citizens Initiative Gains Momentum
The 'My Voice My Choice' campaign has collected over 500,000 signatures in just 45 days, becoming the fastest-growing European Citizens Initiative in history. The campaign aims to establish an EU fund ensuring all women have access to abortion services, potentially helping over 20 million women currently without access.
The European Parliament continues advocating for abortion rights inclusion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, though this requires unanimous member state agreement. As the debate continues, Europe remains divided between progressive constitutional protections and restrictive criminalization, reflecting broader societal values across the continent.