EWL News

The EWL calls for support for the amended Estrela Report on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

[Brussels, 6 December 2013] Next Tuesday, the European Parliament will vote on an important report for sexual and reproductive health and rights. Civil society and human rights organisations call on you to support the amended Estrela Report on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in this plenary vote. SRHR are an integral part of the human rights that all EU Member States have committed to respect, protect and fulfill.

Every person in Europe has the right to make their own informed and responsible choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health, and to live their sexual lives free from harm, violence and discrimination.

The Estrela report makes the case for a broad spectrum of SRHR guaranteed to all individuals.

This report is balanced and fair:

1. It does not impose any obligations on Member States, but recommends that people have access to sexuality education, contraception and safe abortion when needed.

2. The report also takes into consideration gender-based violence, mostly against women, in the context of these rights.

3. The report also refers to the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.

Extremist religious groups, representing only a tiny proportion of EU citizens, argue against this report because it supports people’s right to live their sexual lives free from harm, violence and discrimination.
The overwhelming majority of people in the EU, including people from a wide variety of faith traditions, recognize everyone’s moral autonomy related to sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly gender-specific healthcare such as women’s reproductive health access.

At a time when rising economic difficulties challenge the health information and treatment available to Europeans seeking to make healthy decisions, and with these challenges disproportionately affecting women and sexual minorities, we hope you will take a strong stand in favour of these rights on Tuesday.

Signatories
European Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development
European Humanist Federation
ILGA-Europe
Catholics for Choice
European Women’s Lobby
International Planned Parenthood Federation- European Network
Center for Reproductive Rights

Find the Joint statement here

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