On the inclusion of the right to abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights

B90207/2024

European Parliament resolution on the inclusion of the right to abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights

(2024/2655(RSP))

– having regard to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

– having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (‘the Charter’), in particular Articles 1 and 2 thereof,

– having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU),

– having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), in particular Article 2 thereof,

– having regard to the statements by the Council and the Commission of 14 March 2024 on the inclusion of the right to abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights,

– having regard to Rule 132(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the European Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, as laid down in Article 2 TEU;

B. whereas Article 51 of the Charter stipulates that the Charter’s scope of application is restricted to when Member States are implementing EU law, and that it cannot exceed the EU’s competences;

C. whereas paragraph 7 of Article 168 TFEU, which relates to public health, states that ‘Union action shall respect the responsibilities of the Member States for the definition of their health policy and for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care’;

D. whereas Article 53 of the Charter provides that the Charter may not be interpreted as restricting or adversely affecting human rights and fundamental freedoms;

1. Regrets that issues are being raised at EU level that go beyond the EU’s competences, as regards the inclusion in the Charter of health and medical care matters that are the exclusive competence of the Member States;

2. Rejects, out of respect for the existence and dignity of all persons, any attempts to amend the Charter through proposals that limit or violate human rights, given that human rights are irrevocable, inalienable and intrinsic to every human being;

3. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.