European bishops issued a statement on Tuesday expressing their disapproval of the inclusion of a right to abortion in the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights. They argued that such an amendment would violate EU law and the principles of human dignity.
The debate surrounding the inclusion of abortion rights in the EU's rights charter has been ongoing for some time.
Advocates of abortion have been pushing for changes to union law, with initiatives like the Simone Veil Pact advocating for extensive abortion rights across the continent.
Emphasizing the significance of human dignity within the EU Treaties and Charter, the bishops reiterated that respecting the dignity of every individual throughout all stages of life, particularly in moments of utmost vulnerability, stands as a fundamental principle in a democratic society.
In continuation of their previous stance, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) asserted on Tuesday that the inclusion of a right to abortion in the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights would be "ethically indefensible" and in conflict with both human rights and European law.
According to the bishops, fundamental rights cannot establish competences for the Union, and there are no provisions at the EU level to regulate abortion.
Additionally, they highlighted that the European Court of Human Rights has never declared abortion as a human right protected by the European Convention on Fundamental Rights. On the contrary, the court has upheld the right to life as a fundamental human right and has acknowledged the legitimacy of contracting states in protecting unborn life.
Expanding on their opposition, the bishops emphasized that there is no recognized right to abortion in either European or international law. They pointed out that the European Union lacks the authority to enact such a measure, as it falls outside the scope of its competences.
The bishops reiterated the importance of caring for women facing difficult or conflicting situations due to their pregnancies, emphasizing that it is a central aspect of the Church's diaconal ministry and should also be a responsibility upheld by society.
In January of the previous year, French President Emmanual Macron advocated for enshrining abortion in EU law, stating that it would invigorate the set of rights within the Union. However, the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) expressed strong opposition and deep concern regarding this proposal.
Abortion regulations vary significantly across European Union member states, with many countries implementing restrictions such as limiting abortion after 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy and imposing waiting periods and other regulations. This stands in contrast to the more permissive legal framework in the United States under Roe v. Wade.