Europe votes to expand abortion access in historic ballot

[IwantToRetire]

Just posting as a sort of good news story for women in Europe.

The European Parliament voted today in support of an EU fund to expand access to abortion for women across the bloc, in a historic ballot that divided lawmakers.

The plan would establish a voluntary, opt-in financial mechanism to help countries provide abortion care to women who can’t access it in their own country and who choose to travel to one with more liberal laws. European citizens presented the plan in an EU petition — through the campaign group “My Voice, My Choice.”

Lawmakers in Strasbourg voted 358 in favor and 202 against the proposal, and 79 MEPs abstained.

https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-votes-to-expand-abortion-access-in-historic-vote/

Am I reading this right? Countries who currently don't provide adequate abortion care can still decide
not to opt in to this financial mechanism to support their women to go a country with a better level of care? So a country like Poland who has a very conservative level of abortion care can just say no?

My understanding, and I expect details have not been agreed, that a woman living in a country that does not give her the right to an abortion can travel to a country where they do and have the procedure paid for via this fund.

So assuming those who dont agree to pay into the fund are the same countries that deny women abortion, they are (without being frivilous about it) outsourcing supporting women to other countries.

But given the roll back on women's right to an abortion in some European countries this seems a positive move.

On a non state level Abortion Support Network has been providing a service like this for some time as volunteers. (They often ask for new volunteers to join them.

Abortion Support Network helps people who need to access a safe abortion in Europe. We provide information on clinics, travel and accommodation, and our network of supporters provides financial assistance to help with costs for those who need it.

ASN is an inclusive organisation, and we don’t ask clients how they got pregnant or why they want abortions. Find out more about ASN and how we work.

https://www.asn.org.uk/
(and yes I did see the use of the word people rather than women, but in this instance of helping women get an abortion however the identify seems important.)

Eligibility for grants

ASN does not ask their clients how they got pregnant or why they want abortions. Their only criteria are financial need and available funding.

Grants are given on a case-by-case basis. ASN also asks that clients arrange things in the most inexpensive way possible, so that our money can help the largest number of people.

They also provide funding and logistical support on a case-by-case basis to people resident in other parts of Europe and provide information as is possible to those who contact us from around the globe.

Accommodation

ASN will provide funding and logistical support to anyone who needs help travelling for an abortion. Clients are put in paid accommodation.

Clients should contact ASN as soon as possible after deciding to terminate.

ASN requests that you get in touch with them before you book any travel, so they can help you arrange the least expensive procedure and travel arrangements possible.

https://abortionfunds.org/fund/abortion-support-network/

So women in Malta or Poland can access money to travel to Germany or France, for example, to get a termination?

It's not as good as abortion clinics where they actually live but at least it's a step forward.

And in fact is already being offered by Abortion Support Now, run by volunteers based in Ireland.

And although it is disturbing that they talk about people having abortions, through their volunteer network women have travelled from places like Poland.

The differences is they do have to pay to travel etc., but volunteers helps out by offering accommodation, meeting them when they arrive etc..

I think we maybe dont recognise enough of the groups of women who are feminist activists through the volunteer work they do, and insteard focus on those who make statements on the internet.