The European Parliament voted in favor of a new plan designed to facilitate women’s access to abortion services across the European Union, during a session held in Strasbourg, France.

The proposal was approved by 358 members, while 202 voted against it, highlighting a deep political divide over one of Europe’s most sensitive social issues.

The plan is based on a European Citizens’ Initiative titled “My Voice, My Choice” and calls for the creation of an EU-funded mechanism to cover abortion-related costs for women traveling from countries where the procedure is nearly banned, such as Malta and Poland, or where access remains severely limited, including Italy and Croatia.

This development comes amid broader European trends toward expanding abortion rights, as several countries move to decriminalize the procedure or enshrine it within constitutional frameworks, even as far-right movements gain traction and oppose such reforms.

The European Commission is expected to decide in March whether to formally adopt the proposal, despite skepticism fueled by past citizens’ initiatives that failed to advance into policy.

Supporters of the plan, including women’s rights advocates and lawmakers from across the political spectrum, argue it will reduce unsafe abortion practices and offer crucial support to women who lack the financial means to seek services abroad.

Opponents, particularly from far-right and conservative groups, criticized the proposal as an infringement on national sovereignty and religious values, calling instead for EU funding to prioritize motherhood and family support.

Swedish MEP Abir Al-Sahlani stated that the vote sends a clear message that the European Union stands with women and upholds gender equality and human rights without hesitation.

Conversely, MEP Elisabeth Dieringer from the Patriots for Europe group rejected the plan, describing it as an ideological misuse of EU authority and an unacceptable challenge to national legal systems.