Women’s Rights and lives under attack: Denial of abortion care as part of the erosion of democracy and civic space

This All of Us event informs the public about the political strategies used by ultra-conservative, often religious, actors and organizations to deny women’s access to safe abortion care across Europe. In particular, the speakers and participants will explore the impact on women’s lives of the recent geopolitical trends, which led to a shift towards right-wing populism and authoritarian policies, and its negative impact on civil society organisations defending reproductive freedom. The objective of the event is to raise awareness and denounce the backlash against women’s dignity and safety and particularly the denial of abortion care and women reproductive autonomy as part of the coordinated attack on democracy and civic space in many countries in Europe. It will also aim to stimulate discussion on solutions and identify key recommendations for EU and Member States.

The debate will contribute to raise awareness, propose policy recommendations and fight back strategies. Selected experts working on policies related to sexual and reproductive health and rights from Poland, Croatia, Spain, Hungary and Ireland (TBC) will outline the coordinated attacks they experience on democracy and civil space, followed by an interactive discussion with stakeholders, MEPs, policy makers and NGOs.