The European Union (EU) bishops have voiced their strong opposition to a proposal that seeks to enshrine the right to abortion in the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights. In a statement issued by the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union, the bishops argued that respect for human dignity, which is already ingrained in the Charter, should extend to every stage of human development, including the unborn.
The proposal to include a right to abortion in the Charter followed the European Union’s condemnation of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. However, the bishops emphasized that neither European nor international law recognizes a right to abortion, and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights has never officially endorsed such a right.
The bishops firmly stated, Human dignity is an overarching value in the EU Treaties and Charter, adding, Respect for the dignity of every human being in every stage of its life, especially in situations of complete vulnerability, is a fundamental principle in a democratic society. They also highlighted that the European Court of Human Rights has consistently affirmed the right to life as a fundamental human right, emphasizing that protecting unborn life is a legitimate objective for the Contracting States of the European Convention.
Currently, 95% of women in Europe have access to abortion services on demand, and only a few European countries, including Andorra, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, and Poland, have laws that restrict or strictly limit abortion. Nevertheless, the proposed enshrinement of a right to abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights has sparked significant controversy and debate.
The bishops’ opposition to the proposal reflects the ongoing global movement to shed light on the reality of abortion. While the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States was a significant milestone for the pro-life movement, the battle for protecting the unborn continues. The bishops’ statement contributes to the discourse on human dignity and the value of life, urging the protection of every human being, particularly during vulnerable stages of development.
It is crucial to acknowledge the different perspectives surrounding the issue of abortion and to foster open and balanced discussions. The bishops’ statement embodies their commitment to upholding the principles of human dignity and protecting life at all stages, amid calls to include a right to abortion in the EU Charter. As the debate persists, the importance of respecting differing viewpoints and advocating for the sanctity of life remains at the forefront.
