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News

Latest news from IPPF EN

Spotlight

A selection of news from across the Federation

Image GBV access to justice 16 Days
News item

EU efforts to combat violence against women at risk as governments withhold support for vital bill

On the Intl Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, IPPF EN welcomes MEPs' strong commitment to EU action on GBV, and calls on Member States to prioritise people's safety over politics. No excuses.
Contraception IPPF
news item

| 04 June 2020

Government caught between science and ideology on contraceptives scheme

The Lithuanian Health Minister, Aurelijus Veryga, has halted a new contraceptive reimbursement scheme following interference by religious NGOs and politicians. The Minister signed his approval of the scheme in April following a recommendation by the Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the State Commission on Drugs and Medicine Reimbursement, but objections by groups opposed to marriage equality and ratification of the Istanbul Convention on fighting violence against women led him to halt the process seeking further clarification. The timeline for this review has not been published. The scheme would have been a positive step to addressing Lithuania’s poor scores in gender equality, where Lithuania ranks 23rd in the EU on the Gender Equality Index. With a discriminatory system of contraceptive access and weak provision of sexuality education, teenage pregnancy is between two to three times higher than many other European countries, where girls from poorer background are at a higher risk of having unintended pregnancies. Long-acting reversable contraceptives, which would be covered by the scheme, are recommended by both the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) and American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as the first-line contraceptive for girls due to their safety and efficacy. Caroline Hickson, Regional Director at the International Planned Parenthood Federation, European Network said: ‘It is regrettable to see the Minister second guess a decision that would have profound impact on the reproductive lives of Lithuanian women and girls. We hope the Minister listens to the scientific consensus on contraceptive protection and stands firm against the machinations of groups that lack accurate knowledge and fuel fears based on misinformation.’ Contraceptive reimbursement is an established practice across Europe where it has been shown to increase contraceptive use among vulnerable groups, including young women. In the Netherlands, a combination of contraceptive reimbursement and the provision of high-quality sexuality education has led to high contraceptive prevalence among young people, where 90% use contraception during first intercourse. Rates of teenage pregnancy are also low in Slovenia which considers contraception a constitutional right that is covered by compulsory health insurance. The Minister’s hesitation over contraceptive reimbursement follows controversy over his recent recommendation that women ‘reconsider’ their need for abortion during the coronavirus lockdown. While he had previously indicated opposition to banning abortion, critics have noted a recent negative turn on reproductive safety and posit connection between this and the upcoming elections in October. Caroline Hickson continued: ‘Time and again we see the health and safety of women and girls put up for debate – this must end. Contraceptive care is a touchstone of gender equality and respect for women’s dignity, it is unacceptable to deprive women and girls of the care they need.’   For press inquiries: Cosmina Marian, Communications Advisor, International Planned Parenthood Federation, European Network: [email protected] / +32 495 339 380

Contraception IPPF
news_item

| 04 June 2020

Government caught between science and ideology on contraceptives scheme

The Lithuanian Health Minister, Aurelijus Veryga, has halted a new contraceptive reimbursement scheme following interference by religious NGOs and politicians. The Minister signed his approval of the scheme in April following a recommendation by the Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the State Commission on Drugs and Medicine Reimbursement, but objections by groups opposed to marriage equality and ratification of the Istanbul Convention on fighting violence against women led him to halt the process seeking further clarification. The timeline for this review has not been published. The scheme would have been a positive step to addressing Lithuania’s poor scores in gender equality, where Lithuania ranks 23rd in the EU on the Gender Equality Index. With a discriminatory system of contraceptive access and weak provision of sexuality education, teenage pregnancy is between two to three times higher than many other European countries, where girls from poorer background are at a higher risk of having unintended pregnancies. Long-acting reversable contraceptives, which would be covered by the scheme, are recommended by both the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) and American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as the first-line contraceptive for girls due to their safety and efficacy. Caroline Hickson, Regional Director at the International Planned Parenthood Federation, European Network said: ‘It is regrettable to see the Minister second guess a decision that would have profound impact on the reproductive lives of Lithuanian women and girls. We hope the Minister listens to the scientific consensus on contraceptive protection and stands firm against the machinations of groups that lack accurate knowledge and fuel fears based on misinformation.’ Contraceptive reimbursement is an established practice across Europe where it has been shown to increase contraceptive use among vulnerable groups, including young women. In the Netherlands, a combination of contraceptive reimbursement and the provision of high-quality sexuality education has led to high contraceptive prevalence among young people, where 90% use contraception during first intercourse. Rates of teenage pregnancy are also low in Slovenia which considers contraception a constitutional right that is covered by compulsory health insurance. The Minister’s hesitation over contraceptive reimbursement follows controversy over his recent recommendation that women ‘reconsider’ their need for abortion during the coronavirus lockdown. While he had previously indicated opposition to banning abortion, critics have noted a recent negative turn on reproductive safety and posit connection between this and the upcoming elections in October. Caroline Hickson continued: ‘Time and again we see the health and safety of women and girls put up for debate – this must end. Contraceptive care is a touchstone of gender equality and respect for women’s dignity, it is unacceptable to deprive women and girls of the care they need.’   For press inquiries: Cosmina Marian, Communications Advisor, International Planned Parenthood Federation, European Network: [email protected] / +32 495 339 380

BecauseSheCounts campaign
news item

| 28 May 2020

Because She Counts campaign on sexual and reproductive care

European donor governments have proved their commitment to women and girls’ safety and freedom through their policy and funding decisions on sexual and reproductive care. This campaign, developed under the umbrella of the Countdown 2030 Europe project, will reflect on the progress made so far and on the impact of the current health crisis on the achievements made. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues the determination of European donors must not waver. Around the world, sexual and reproductive care providers and advocates know that people still need access to contraception and other services, even in the midst of a pandemic. A continuation of the current lockdowns can leave 47 million women in low- and middle-income countries unable to use modern contraceptives, leading to a projected 7 million additional unintended pregnancies. Another six months of lockdowns could result in an additional 31 million cases of gender-based violence. We are asking European donors to maintain current and future Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding and to support civil society, partner countries and multilateral organisations through a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes critical investments in health and support to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Our #BecauseSheCounts social media campaign asks decision-makers to put universal health care, human rights, equality and at the core of all public policy and funding decision, amid the pandemic and always. To join our campaign, share our #BecauseSheCounts messages and visuals and tag us @C2030Europe! Ask your governments to continue to prove that solidarity goes beyond borders and should not be limited to European Union countries. The campaign assets.

BecauseSheCounts campaign
news_item

| 28 May 2020

Because She Counts campaign on sexual and reproductive care

European donor governments have proved their commitment to women and girls’ safety and freedom through their policy and funding decisions on sexual and reproductive care. This campaign, developed under the umbrella of the Countdown 2030 Europe project, will reflect on the progress made so far and on the impact of the current health crisis on the achievements made. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues the determination of European donors must not waver. Around the world, sexual and reproductive care providers and advocates know that people still need access to contraception and other services, even in the midst of a pandemic. A continuation of the current lockdowns can leave 47 million women in low- and middle-income countries unable to use modern contraceptives, leading to a projected 7 million additional unintended pregnancies. Another six months of lockdowns could result in an additional 31 million cases of gender-based violence. We are asking European donors to maintain current and future Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding and to support civil society, partner countries and multilateral organisations through a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes critical investments in health and support to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Our #BecauseSheCounts social media campaign asks decision-makers to put universal health care, human rights, equality and at the core of all public policy and funding decision, amid the pandemic and always. To join our campaign, share our #BecauseSheCounts messages and visuals and tag us @C2030Europe! Ask your governments to continue to prove that solidarity goes beyond borders and should not be limited to European Union countries. The campaign assets.

Covid-19 Europe
news item

| 25 May 2020

Europe: Millions of women and girls facing increasing discrimination, insecurity and violence amidst COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating gender inequalities and increasing levels of discrimination, insecurity and violence for women across Europe, a briefing by Amnesty International, Women's Link Worldwide and the International Planned Parenthood Federation warned today. A Guide for Europe: Protecting the rights of women and girls in times of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath provides governments with a roadmap for taking necessary measures to protect the rights of women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by the pandemic, especially those experiencing intersecting and persistent forms of discrimination. “During this health crisis and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, women’s and girls’ rights must be respected and guaranteed,” said Viviana Waisman, President & CEO of Women’s Link Worldwide.    “These guidelines give us the framework to demand that European states comply with their obligations and maintain their commitment to the rights and lives of women and girls during this crisis and beyond.” Domestic and sexual violence Even before the COVID-19 crisis, one in five women suffered violence from their partner at home in Europe. Lockdowns and isolation measures to contain the spread of the virus have exposed women and girls to increased risks of domestic abuse at the hands of their partners or other family members, and often cut them off from the much-needed support. Some European countries have taken measures to support women and girls at risk of domestic violence, but the pandemic has exposed the existing shortcomings of the responses in place, which in turn are limiting the capacity to react to the overwhelming needs during the crisis. Data shows that reports of violence against women, and particularly domestic violence, have increased alarmingly in several countries. According to recent data by the World Health Organization, emergency calls have risen by up to 60 percent compared with last year in many European countries. In some countries, the authorities point to a decrease in domestic violence incident reports, which may indicate limited reporting options for women living under the same roof as their abuser. For those affected by gender-based violence, including sexual violence, high levels of impunity and barriers to access to justice, have been one of the greatest challenges in the region even in pre-COVID-19 times. It is crucial that while taking appropriate public health measures, states must also live up to their international obligations to ensure due diligence in the investigation and prosecution of all gender-based violence cases, both during lockdowns and after restrictions are lifted. Sexual and reproductive rights Whilst some countries have enacted specific measures to ensure safe and timely access to essential sexual and reproductive health services, products and information during the pandemic, many have not. Some countries appear to be using the restrictions as an opportunity to further undermine or restrict access to sexual and reproductive rights. Hospitals and clinics have reduced sexual and reproductive health services to a bare minimum, or closed them altogether due to staff shortages and reassignments, among other reasons. In many places, accessing normal clinical services has become extremely difficult. “European governments must not exacerbate the harm caused to women by the COVID-19 crisis by failing to guarantee access to essential sexual and reproductive healthcare,” said Caroline Hickson, Regional Director of IPPF European Network.   “Restricting essential services is putting the lives, health and wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of women at risk. Countries that put care first have taken steps to protect the safety and freedom of women and girls. It can be done; there is no excuse to let women and girls down.”   Post-COVID-19 All this is happening against the backdrop of grim economic prospects for millions of women and girls in Europe, post-COVID-19.  The aftermath of the health crisis is expected to gravely impact women’s livelihoods, particularly those working in the care or informal sector and those who are already experiencing marginalisation. Women and girls’ needs and rights must be placed at the centre of the responses to COVID-19 and beyond. Women who face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, such as Roma, migrant or asylum-seeking women, sex workers, women with disabilities, trans women and others in situations of marginalisation, face an increased risk of being targeted by state agents and suffering harms including racial profiling. It is crucial that states ensure increased police powers do not affect these women disproportionately. “Europe will not be the same after COVID-19. The pandemic is an unprecedented crisis with grave human rights consequences for women and girls. Paradoxically, this dark time gives us an opportunity to do more to overcome discrimination and inequality,” said Marie Struthers, Europe Regional Director, Amnesty International   “We call on states to hear women’s voices and make the post-COVID-19 Europe a better place for all women and girls.”. The three organisations are urging the European governments to do everything in their power to ensure that human rights of women and girls are upheld and that they are not left behind.  

Covid-19 Europe
news_item

| 26 May 2020

Europe: Millions of women and girls facing increasing discrimination, insecurity and violence amidst COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating gender inequalities and increasing levels of discrimination, insecurity and violence for women across Europe, a briefing by Amnesty International, Women's Link Worldwide and the International Planned Parenthood Federation warned today. A Guide for Europe: Protecting the rights of women and girls in times of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath provides governments with a roadmap for taking necessary measures to protect the rights of women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by the pandemic, especially those experiencing intersecting and persistent forms of discrimination. “During this health crisis and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, women’s and girls’ rights must be respected and guaranteed,” said Viviana Waisman, President & CEO of Women’s Link Worldwide.    “These guidelines give us the framework to demand that European states comply with their obligations and maintain their commitment to the rights and lives of women and girls during this crisis and beyond.” Domestic and sexual violence Even before the COVID-19 crisis, one in five women suffered violence from their partner at home in Europe. Lockdowns and isolation measures to contain the spread of the virus have exposed women and girls to increased risks of domestic abuse at the hands of their partners or other family members, and often cut them off from the much-needed support. Some European countries have taken measures to support women and girls at risk of domestic violence, but the pandemic has exposed the existing shortcomings of the responses in place, which in turn are limiting the capacity to react to the overwhelming needs during the crisis. Data shows that reports of violence against women, and particularly domestic violence, have increased alarmingly in several countries. According to recent data by the World Health Organization, emergency calls have risen by up to 60 percent compared with last year in many European countries. In some countries, the authorities point to a decrease in domestic violence incident reports, which may indicate limited reporting options for women living under the same roof as their abuser. For those affected by gender-based violence, including sexual violence, high levels of impunity and barriers to access to justice, have been one of the greatest challenges in the region even in pre-COVID-19 times. It is crucial that while taking appropriate public health measures, states must also live up to their international obligations to ensure due diligence in the investigation and prosecution of all gender-based violence cases, both during lockdowns and after restrictions are lifted. Sexual and reproductive rights Whilst some countries have enacted specific measures to ensure safe and timely access to essential sexual and reproductive health services, products and information during the pandemic, many have not. Some countries appear to be using the restrictions as an opportunity to further undermine or restrict access to sexual and reproductive rights. Hospitals and clinics have reduced sexual and reproductive health services to a bare minimum, or closed them altogether due to staff shortages and reassignments, among other reasons. In many places, accessing normal clinical services has become extremely difficult. “European governments must not exacerbate the harm caused to women by the COVID-19 crisis by failing to guarantee access to essential sexual and reproductive healthcare,” said Caroline Hickson, Regional Director of IPPF European Network.   “Restricting essential services is putting the lives, health and wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of women at risk. Countries that put care first have taken steps to protect the safety and freedom of women and girls. It can be done; there is no excuse to let women and girls down.”   Post-COVID-19 All this is happening against the backdrop of grim economic prospects for millions of women and girls in Europe, post-COVID-19.  The aftermath of the health crisis is expected to gravely impact women’s livelihoods, particularly those working in the care or informal sector and those who are already experiencing marginalisation. Women and girls’ needs and rights must be placed at the centre of the responses to COVID-19 and beyond. Women who face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, such as Roma, migrant or asylum-seeking women, sex workers, women with disabilities, trans women and others in situations of marginalisation, face an increased risk of being targeted by state agents and suffering harms including racial profiling. It is crucial that states ensure increased police powers do not affect these women disproportionately. “Europe will not be the same after COVID-19. The pandemic is an unprecedented crisis with grave human rights consequences for women and girls. Paradoxically, this dark time gives us an opportunity to do more to overcome discrimination and inequality,” said Marie Struthers, Europe Regional Director, Amnesty International   “We call on states to hear women’s voices and make the post-COVID-19 Europe a better place for all women and girls.”. The three organisations are urging the European governments to do everything in their power to ensure that human rights of women and girls are upheld and that they are not left behind.  

LGBTI
news item

| 18 May 2020

IPPF is committed to fighting homophobia and transphobia worldwide

Today marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), a day to draw attention to the discrimination and violence experienced by the LGBTI community. The day represents a major global annual landmark to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, corporations, opinion leaders and local authorities to the alarming situation faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. Sexual and reproductive health and rights are for everyone, inclusive of sexual and gender diversity. This is particularly important since the outbreak of COVID-19, where people not conforming to sexual and gender norms are facing further abuse, neglect, incarceration and stigmatization. IPPF’s vision for "a world where all people can make decisions about their sexuality and well-being, in a world free of discrimination" strongly supports the position that all people have the right to self-determination according to their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sex characteristics. IPPF is made up of people who also reflect sexual and gender diversity – many of our staff, board members, volunteers and partners are part of LGBTI communities. Our Federation is committed to providing quality and non-discriminatory services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people, and to fight for the recognition of the rights of sexual and gender diverse people worldwide. “The trans community has been implementing projects for sexual health promotion with MEXFAM for many years. We work with our peers from the LGBTI community, but also with the general population and they really appreciate what we do. They come to us for counseling and information. We are not the ‘weirdos’ anymore."  – Joseline Sosa, volunteer at MEXFAM Oaxaca, an IPPF Member Association           We work in cooperation and solidarity with the LGBTI movement by:  Promoting inter-governmental declarations that recognize the right to a life free of violence and discrimination for LGBTI people at the UN in Geneva and New York  Fighting for the decriminalization of same-sex acts where it is still prohibited, including Trinidad & Tobago and India Provide friendly services for HIV and STI prevention and treatment for men who have sex with men in Botswana  Partnering with LGBTI organizations to respond to humanitarian situations in Nepal and Tonga Supporting teachers in providing sexual and gender diverse education all over the world Implementing protocols for sex change for trans people in Colombia Providing trans-specific dignity kits during natural disasters in Sri Lanka Fighting for same-sex marriage and recognition of same-sex families in Romania Those are just a few examples, but members of our Federation have been supporting the movement for years, and in some cases for decades.   Since 2018, IPPF has established a Steering Committee, led by our Member Association in Norway, Sex og Politikk, to advance the sexual and gender diversity agenda within and outside our Federation.The Steering Committee includes representatives from all the Regional Offices.  On 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, we reaffirm our commitment to achieving a world in which no person suffers discrimination or violence because of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics; a world where the life or the integrity of people is not put at risk by prejudice; a world where all people can decide with whom to share their sexuality and their life; a world where people live healthy lives regardless of their sexual practices and their bodies.  IPPF – in all of its diversity – will continue to fight for the human right for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sex characteristics, to be respected, celebrated and recognized. In the end – love wins. Happy IDAHOBIT!

LGBTI
news_item

| 17 May 2020

IPPF is committed to fighting homophobia and transphobia worldwide

Today marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), a day to draw attention to the discrimination and violence experienced by the LGBTI community. The day represents a major global annual landmark to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, corporations, opinion leaders and local authorities to the alarming situation faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. Sexual and reproductive health and rights are for everyone, inclusive of sexual and gender diversity. This is particularly important since the outbreak of COVID-19, where people not conforming to sexual and gender norms are facing further abuse, neglect, incarceration and stigmatization. IPPF’s vision for "a world where all people can make decisions about their sexuality and well-being, in a world free of discrimination" strongly supports the position that all people have the right to self-determination according to their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sex characteristics. IPPF is made up of people who also reflect sexual and gender diversity – many of our staff, board members, volunteers and partners are part of LGBTI communities. Our Federation is committed to providing quality and non-discriminatory services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people, and to fight for the recognition of the rights of sexual and gender diverse people worldwide. “The trans community has been implementing projects for sexual health promotion with MEXFAM for many years. We work with our peers from the LGBTI community, but also with the general population and they really appreciate what we do. They come to us for counseling and information. We are not the ‘weirdos’ anymore."  – Joseline Sosa, volunteer at MEXFAM Oaxaca, an IPPF Member Association           We work in cooperation and solidarity with the LGBTI movement by:  Promoting inter-governmental declarations that recognize the right to a life free of violence and discrimination for LGBTI people at the UN in Geneva and New York  Fighting for the decriminalization of same-sex acts where it is still prohibited, including Trinidad & Tobago and India Provide friendly services for HIV and STI prevention and treatment for men who have sex with men in Botswana  Partnering with LGBTI organizations to respond to humanitarian situations in Nepal and Tonga Supporting teachers in providing sexual and gender diverse education all over the world Implementing protocols for sex change for trans people in Colombia Providing trans-specific dignity kits during natural disasters in Sri Lanka Fighting for same-sex marriage and recognition of same-sex families in Romania Those are just a few examples, but members of our Federation have been supporting the movement for years, and in some cases for decades.   Since 2018, IPPF has established a Steering Committee, led by our Member Association in Norway, Sex og Politikk, to advance the sexual and gender diversity agenda within and outside our Federation.The Steering Committee includes representatives from all the Regional Offices.  On 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, we reaffirm our commitment to achieving a world in which no person suffers discrimination or violence because of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics; a world where the life or the integrity of people is not put at risk by prejudice; a world where all people can decide with whom to share their sexuality and their life; a world where people live healthy lives regardless of their sexual practices and their bodies.  IPPF – in all of its diversity – will continue to fight for the human right for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sex characteristics, to be respected, celebrated and recognized. In the end – love wins. Happy IDAHOBIT!

Europe Covid-19 gender equality
news item

| 22 April 2020

For a Europe that cares for all – during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

Democracy – Inclusion – Justice – Solidarity – Sustainability The COVID-19 pandemic is demonstrating all too well that unequal societies go hand-in-hand with human suffering, fragile economies and delicate democracies. Solidarity must be the bedrock of Europe’s response to this crisis: to fighting the pandemic and protecting all people, to managing the social and economic consequences, and to defending democracy. Solidarity goes beyond borders and should not be limited to European Union countries. This is more than a public health crisis; it is a systems crisis. Like the climate crisis, and the many other crises we face, it affects everyone but hits some harder than others. The COVID-19 pandemic magnifies the inequalities in our societies. Inequality was already a global problem but it now risks growing to irreversible proportions. Alongside the millions of workers who have lost their jobs and income, those most affected include migrants at the borders, precarious workers, undocumented people, low income families, homeless people, elderly people, women, and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses – including many racial and ethnic minorities. Health workers, and other essential service workers, are on the front line. We are witnessing the fundamental social and economic value of care work and basic services, work that is overwhelmingly carried out by women, and is too often ignored, under-valued, and always under-paid. We, the undersigned European civil society actors, are committed to working together towards a shared vision of the future of Europe, one that is based on a socially just, feminist, sustainable, democratic and inclusive society. In this time of crisis, we stand ready, in solidarity, to act together. We recognise that alongside international organizations, NGOs and governments, the European Union has attempted to respond to this emergency. However, it can and must go further. We call on the European institutions and Member State governments to seize this moment to work towards fundamental change in our social, economic and political systems. We stand ready to support the transition away from the current social and economic model, which drives inequality and environmental destruction and leaves us unprepared when crises hit.  We call on European decision-makers to come together, across borders, to show the vision and courage to set Europe on the path to a sustainable future; a future of resilient democracies built on human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, human rights and the rule of law. Europe must demonstrate it cares for all, through times of crisis, and beyond   The European Union must take action to: Build a solidarity-driven and comprehensive strategy to prevent infections, save lives and minimise the ongoing impact of the pandemic. This must include ensuring that any vaccine, or treatment, developed for COVID-19 is affordable and accessible to all, and that patent rules that put pharmaceutical industry profits before public health are overhauled. Raise awareness of, and help to counter, all forms of disinformation, in particular racist and sexist responses to the pandemic. Ensure that restrictive emergency measures serve the purpose of combating the pandemic only, are time-limited, and are compatible with the rule of law and the EU’s fundamental values. Simultaneously, dialogue with, and support for, organised civil society must be maintained.   Guarantee that any use of digital technologies, including apps and Artificial Intelligence, to monitor the spread of the virus and the behaviour of human beings is lawful, ethical, and strictly temporary. Private companies must not be allowed to access this data for commercial purposes. End the age of austerity in Europe, and work towards a macroeconomic framework that prioritises tackling inequality, and invests in human wellbeing and the preservation and protection of the natural environment that sustains us. Tax wealthy companies and individuals to help pay for the costs of the rescue and recovery packages. Strengthen workers' rights, safeguard employment, support people’s income, and introduce measures to protect those left out of the labour market. Measures should address the situation in Europe and the EU’s partner countries, and should especially consider health workers, care-givers and those in precarious work, the overwhelming majority of whom are women. Support health systems and people in the global South, and ensure basic services, in particular healthcare and access to water, are provided to all regardless of resident status, race, nationality, language or other factors.  Fast-forward the transition to a just, sustainable future by increasing the ambition of the European Green Deal. This requires transformational solutions and investing in the Just Transition, including quality low-energy buildings and public transport, low resource-use models of production, and a robust and sustainable food system. Develop a more resilient, structured and permanent governance system at the EU-27 level for the management of health crises, which draws lessons from the current COVID-19 crisis.   Signatories 350.org ACT Alliance EU ActionAid International Albanian Center for Population and Development (ACPD) All Together in Dignity (ATD) Ireland Amnesty International Asociación Caminos ATD Fourth World CATRO Bulgaria CEE Bankwatch Network CIDSE Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe CONCORD Europe Coordinadora de ONGD-España Czechia Against Poverty and Inequality Defend Democracy End FGM European Network Eurodiaconia European Civic Forum European Consortium for Emergency Contraception European Disability Forum European Environmental Bureau (EEB) European Movement International European Network Against Racism (ENAR) European Oncology Nursing Society European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) European Women’s Lobby European Youth Forum Fair Trade Advocacy Office Federación de Planificación Familiar de España Friends of the Earth Europe Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) Greenpeace Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) International Planned Parenthood Federation, European Network Know and Can Association Le Planning Familial Lithuanian NGDO Platform Mighty Earth Naturefriends International (NFI) Open Society European Policy Initiative Österreichische Gesellschaft für Familienplanung (ÖGF) P&D Factor - Ass. Cooperação sobre População e Desencolvimento, Portugal Pistes Solidaires Povod Rehabilitation Center for Stress and Trauma - RCT SOCIAL PLATFORM Society for Education on Contraception and Sexuality (SECS) Romania SOLIDAR The Good Lobby WeMove Europe WWF European Policy Office (EPO) YouAct - European Youth Network on Sexual and Reproductive Rights Young Feminist Europe Young Friends of the Earth Europe  

Europe Covid-19 gender equality
news_item

| 22 April 2020

For a Europe that cares for all – during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

Democracy – Inclusion – Justice – Solidarity – Sustainability The COVID-19 pandemic is demonstrating all too well that unequal societies go hand-in-hand with human suffering, fragile economies and delicate democracies. Solidarity must be the bedrock of Europe’s response to this crisis: to fighting the pandemic and protecting all people, to managing the social and economic consequences, and to defending democracy. Solidarity goes beyond borders and should not be limited to European Union countries. This is more than a public health crisis; it is a systems crisis. Like the climate crisis, and the many other crises we face, it affects everyone but hits some harder than others. The COVID-19 pandemic magnifies the inequalities in our societies. Inequality was already a global problem but it now risks growing to irreversible proportions. Alongside the millions of workers who have lost their jobs and income, those most affected include migrants at the borders, precarious workers, undocumented people, low income families, homeless people, elderly people, women, and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses – including many racial and ethnic minorities. Health workers, and other essential service workers, are on the front line. We are witnessing the fundamental social and economic value of care work and basic services, work that is overwhelmingly carried out by women, and is too often ignored, under-valued, and always under-paid. We, the undersigned European civil society actors, are committed to working together towards a shared vision of the future of Europe, one that is based on a socially just, feminist, sustainable, democratic and inclusive society. In this time of crisis, we stand ready, in solidarity, to act together. We recognise that alongside international organizations, NGOs and governments, the European Union has attempted to respond to this emergency. However, it can and must go further. We call on the European institutions and Member State governments to seize this moment to work towards fundamental change in our social, economic and political systems. We stand ready to support the transition away from the current social and economic model, which drives inequality and environmental destruction and leaves us unprepared when crises hit.  We call on European decision-makers to come together, across borders, to show the vision and courage to set Europe on the path to a sustainable future; a future of resilient democracies built on human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, human rights and the rule of law. Europe must demonstrate it cares for all, through times of crisis, and beyond   The European Union must take action to: Build a solidarity-driven and comprehensive strategy to prevent infections, save lives and minimise the ongoing impact of the pandemic. This must include ensuring that any vaccine, or treatment, developed for COVID-19 is affordable and accessible to all, and that patent rules that put pharmaceutical industry profits before public health are overhauled. Raise awareness of, and help to counter, all forms of disinformation, in particular racist and sexist responses to the pandemic. Ensure that restrictive emergency measures serve the purpose of combating the pandemic only, are time-limited, and are compatible with the rule of law and the EU’s fundamental values. Simultaneously, dialogue with, and support for, organised civil society must be maintained.   Guarantee that any use of digital technologies, including apps and Artificial Intelligence, to monitor the spread of the virus and the behaviour of human beings is lawful, ethical, and strictly temporary. Private companies must not be allowed to access this data for commercial purposes. End the age of austerity in Europe, and work towards a macroeconomic framework that prioritises tackling inequality, and invests in human wellbeing and the preservation and protection of the natural environment that sustains us. Tax wealthy companies and individuals to help pay for the costs of the rescue and recovery packages. Strengthen workers' rights, safeguard employment, support people’s income, and introduce measures to protect those left out of the labour market. Measures should address the situation in Europe and the EU’s partner countries, and should especially consider health workers, care-givers and those in precarious work, the overwhelming majority of whom are women. Support health systems and people in the global South, and ensure basic services, in particular healthcare and access to water, are provided to all regardless of resident status, race, nationality, language or other factors.  Fast-forward the transition to a just, sustainable future by increasing the ambition of the European Green Deal. This requires transformational solutions and investing in the Just Transition, including quality low-energy buildings and public transport, low resource-use models of production, and a robust and sustainable food system. Develop a more resilient, structured and permanent governance system at the EU-27 level for the management of health crises, which draws lessons from the current COVID-19 crisis.   Signatories 350.org ACT Alliance EU ActionAid International Albanian Center for Population and Development (ACPD) All Together in Dignity (ATD) Ireland Amnesty International Asociación Caminos ATD Fourth World CATRO Bulgaria CEE Bankwatch Network CIDSE Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe CONCORD Europe Coordinadora de ONGD-España Czechia Against Poverty and Inequality Defend Democracy End FGM European Network Eurodiaconia European Civic Forum European Consortium for Emergency Contraception European Disability Forum European Environmental Bureau (EEB) European Movement International European Network Against Racism (ENAR) European Oncology Nursing Society European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) European Women’s Lobby European Youth Forum Fair Trade Advocacy Office Federación de Planificación Familiar de España Friends of the Earth Europe Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) Greenpeace Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) International Planned Parenthood Federation, European Network Know and Can Association Le Planning Familial Lithuanian NGDO Platform Mighty Earth Naturefriends International (NFI) Open Society European Policy Initiative Österreichische Gesellschaft für Familienplanung (ÖGF) P&D Factor - Ass. Cooperação sobre População e Desencolvimento, Portugal Pistes Solidaires Povod Rehabilitation Center for Stress and Trauma - RCT SOCIAL PLATFORM Society for Education on Contraception and Sexuality (SECS) Romania SOLIDAR The Good Lobby WeMove Europe WWF European Policy Office (EPO) YouAct - European Youth Network on Sexual and Reproductive Rights Young Feminist Europe Young Friends of the Earth Europe  

Black Protest Poland
news item

| 10 April 2020

Polish ruling party exploits the current health crisis to undermine women and young people’s safety

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, bills banning abortion care in practice and endangering young people by criminalizing relationship and sexuality education are set to be voted in the Polish Sejm on 15 and 16 April 2020. The ultra-conservative ruling party is taking advantage of the enormous hardship faced by Polish people to continue its relentless series of attacks on women and young people’s safety and wellbeing. People are sick, domestic violence is growing, one million jobs have been lost, yet the government adds to the burden of lack of social supports.   The Polish law on abortion care is one of the most restrictive in Europe. Abortion is only lawful to safeguard the life or health of women, in situations of severe fetal anomaly or where the pregnancy results from rape or incest. In practice, 98% of legal abortions in Poland are performed on severe fetal anomaly grounds. During COVID-19 times, with travel restriction in place, hospitals overwhelmed by the health emergency, many from the medical staff already denying care based on personal beliefs or convenience, women’s options are drastically reduced. This proposed bill would result in a total abortion ban in practice, forcing women and families to go through pregnancies against their will in case of fatal fetal abnormality at a time of dramatic economic instability with no social support from the state. This shows how little women’s lives and dignity are valued by the Polish ruling class. The bill would also gag doctors by restricting what they can say to their patients about the condition of the fetus, violating patients’ rights to information. The change proposed by this bill is permanent and will place women’s health and lives at risk. “We know that when women and girls cannot access abortion care, in their desperation, they will resort to taking matters into their own hands, often with tragic consequences. Domestic violence is rising sharply, and families are stretched to the limits of their endurance. It is the moment when we most need to ensure we provide all the care that our societies need” said Caroline Hickson, IPPF EN Regional Director. The second bill would result in a complete ban on teaching relationship and sexuality education, sharing evidence-based information on the Internet, as well as forbidding doctors from providing contraceptive care to young people under 18. Those who work to protect young people by giving them information about healthy relationships, intimate life and prevention of violence could face a 3-year prison sentence under this draft bill. The only source of information young people could end up with is pornography and religious doctrines. UNESCO guidelines underline that education addressing equality between men and women and focusing on consent can reduce intimate partner violence. Why is this not a priority when violence against women is endemic and we know is even aggravated during the lockdown? “The timing of these bills is dodgy. As public protests cannot take place due to the measures put in place to fight the pandemic, women are silenced. The medieval forces behind these proposals know massive protests would have been organized across the country to fight these draconian bills. Enough is enough” said Irene Donadio, IPPF EN Senior Adviser. We call on Members of Poland’s Parliament to listen to the voices of women and families across Poland, to protect women’s safety and young people’s health and to reject these regressive bills. The Polish government must prioritise people’s health and wellbeing, democracy and the rule of law. Exploiting the health crisis to attack women’s health care is reckless, cruel and a guarantee of aggravated human suffering.   For more information or an interview please contact: Irene Donadio, Senior Adviser at IPPF EN, [email protected], +32 491 17 19 390

Black Protest Poland
news_item

| 14 April 2020

Polish ruling party exploits the current health crisis to undermine women and young people’s safety

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, bills banning abortion care in practice and endangering young people by criminalizing relationship and sexuality education are set to be voted in the Polish Sejm on 15 and 16 April 2020. The ultra-conservative ruling party is taking advantage of the enormous hardship faced by Polish people to continue its relentless series of attacks on women and young people’s safety and wellbeing. People are sick, domestic violence is growing, one million jobs have been lost, yet the government adds to the burden of lack of social supports.   The Polish law on abortion care is one of the most restrictive in Europe. Abortion is only lawful to safeguard the life or health of women, in situations of severe fetal anomaly or where the pregnancy results from rape or incest. In practice, 98% of legal abortions in Poland are performed on severe fetal anomaly grounds. During COVID-19 times, with travel restriction in place, hospitals overwhelmed by the health emergency, many from the medical staff already denying care based on personal beliefs or convenience, women’s options are drastically reduced. This proposed bill would result in a total abortion ban in practice, forcing women and families to go through pregnancies against their will in case of fatal fetal abnormality at a time of dramatic economic instability with no social support from the state. This shows how little women’s lives and dignity are valued by the Polish ruling class. The bill would also gag doctors by restricting what they can say to their patients about the condition of the fetus, violating patients’ rights to information. The change proposed by this bill is permanent and will place women’s health and lives at risk. “We know that when women and girls cannot access abortion care, in their desperation, they will resort to taking matters into their own hands, often with tragic consequences. Domestic violence is rising sharply, and families are stretched to the limits of their endurance. It is the moment when we most need to ensure we provide all the care that our societies need” said Caroline Hickson, IPPF EN Regional Director. The second bill would result in a complete ban on teaching relationship and sexuality education, sharing evidence-based information on the Internet, as well as forbidding doctors from providing contraceptive care to young people under 18. Those who work to protect young people by giving them information about healthy relationships, intimate life and prevention of violence could face a 3-year prison sentence under this draft bill. The only source of information young people could end up with is pornography and religious doctrines. UNESCO guidelines underline that education addressing equality between men and women and focusing on consent can reduce intimate partner violence. Why is this not a priority when violence against women is endemic and we know is even aggravated during the lockdown? “The timing of these bills is dodgy. As public protests cannot take place due to the measures put in place to fight the pandemic, women are silenced. The medieval forces behind these proposals know massive protests would have been organized across the country to fight these draconian bills. Enough is enough” said Irene Donadio, IPPF EN Senior Adviser. We call on Members of Poland’s Parliament to listen to the voices of women and families across Poland, to protect women’s safety and young people’s health and to reject these regressive bills. The Polish government must prioritise people’s health and wellbeing, democracy and the rule of law. Exploiting the health crisis to attack women’s health care is reckless, cruel and a guarantee of aggravated human suffering.   For more information or an interview please contact: Irene Donadio, Senior Adviser at IPPF EN, [email protected], +32 491 17 19 390

Contraception IPPF
news item

| 04 June 2020

Government caught between science and ideology on contraceptives scheme

The Lithuanian Health Minister, Aurelijus Veryga, has halted a new contraceptive reimbursement scheme following interference by religious NGOs and politicians. The Minister signed his approval of the scheme in April following a recommendation by the Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the State Commission on Drugs and Medicine Reimbursement, but objections by groups opposed to marriage equality and ratification of the Istanbul Convention on fighting violence against women led him to halt the process seeking further clarification. The timeline for this review has not been published. The scheme would have been a positive step to addressing Lithuania’s poor scores in gender equality, where Lithuania ranks 23rd in the EU on the Gender Equality Index. With a discriminatory system of contraceptive access and weak provision of sexuality education, teenage pregnancy is between two to three times higher than many other European countries, where girls from poorer background are at a higher risk of having unintended pregnancies. Long-acting reversable contraceptives, which would be covered by the scheme, are recommended by both the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) and American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as the first-line contraceptive for girls due to their safety and efficacy. Caroline Hickson, Regional Director at the International Planned Parenthood Federation, European Network said: ‘It is regrettable to see the Minister second guess a decision that would have profound impact on the reproductive lives of Lithuanian women and girls. We hope the Minister listens to the scientific consensus on contraceptive protection and stands firm against the machinations of groups that lack accurate knowledge and fuel fears based on misinformation.’ Contraceptive reimbursement is an established practice across Europe where it has been shown to increase contraceptive use among vulnerable groups, including young women. In the Netherlands, a combination of contraceptive reimbursement and the provision of high-quality sexuality education has led to high contraceptive prevalence among young people, where 90% use contraception during first intercourse. Rates of teenage pregnancy are also low in Slovenia which considers contraception a constitutional right that is covered by compulsory health insurance. The Minister’s hesitation over contraceptive reimbursement follows controversy over his recent recommendation that women ‘reconsider’ their need for abortion during the coronavirus lockdown. While he had previously indicated opposition to banning abortion, critics have noted a recent negative turn on reproductive safety and posit connection between this and the upcoming elections in October. Caroline Hickson continued: ‘Time and again we see the health and safety of women and girls put up for debate – this must end. Contraceptive care is a touchstone of gender equality and respect for women’s dignity, it is unacceptable to deprive women and girls of the care they need.’   For press inquiries: Cosmina Marian, Communications Advisor, International Planned Parenthood Federation, European Network: [email protected] / +32 495 339 380

Contraception IPPF
news_item

| 04 June 2020

Government caught between science and ideology on contraceptives scheme

The Lithuanian Health Minister, Aurelijus Veryga, has halted a new contraceptive reimbursement scheme following interference by religious NGOs and politicians. The Minister signed his approval of the scheme in April following a recommendation by the Lithuanian Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the State Commission on Drugs and Medicine Reimbursement, but objections by groups opposed to marriage equality and ratification of the Istanbul Convention on fighting violence against women led him to halt the process seeking further clarification. The timeline for this review has not been published. The scheme would have been a positive step to addressing Lithuania’s poor scores in gender equality, where Lithuania ranks 23rd in the EU on the Gender Equality Index. With a discriminatory system of contraceptive access and weak provision of sexuality education, teenage pregnancy is between two to three times higher than many other European countries, where girls from poorer background are at a higher risk of having unintended pregnancies. Long-acting reversable contraceptives, which would be covered by the scheme, are recommended by both the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) and American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as the first-line contraceptive for girls due to their safety and efficacy. Caroline Hickson, Regional Director at the International Planned Parenthood Federation, European Network said: ‘It is regrettable to see the Minister second guess a decision that would have profound impact on the reproductive lives of Lithuanian women and girls. We hope the Minister listens to the scientific consensus on contraceptive protection and stands firm against the machinations of groups that lack accurate knowledge and fuel fears based on misinformation.’ Contraceptive reimbursement is an established practice across Europe where it has been shown to increase contraceptive use among vulnerable groups, including young women. In the Netherlands, a combination of contraceptive reimbursement and the provision of high-quality sexuality education has led to high contraceptive prevalence among young people, where 90% use contraception during first intercourse. Rates of teenage pregnancy are also low in Slovenia which considers contraception a constitutional right that is covered by compulsory health insurance. The Minister’s hesitation over contraceptive reimbursement follows controversy over his recent recommendation that women ‘reconsider’ their need for abortion during the coronavirus lockdown. While he had previously indicated opposition to banning abortion, critics have noted a recent negative turn on reproductive safety and posit connection between this and the upcoming elections in October. Caroline Hickson continued: ‘Time and again we see the health and safety of women and girls put up for debate – this must end. Contraceptive care is a touchstone of gender equality and respect for women’s dignity, it is unacceptable to deprive women and girls of the care they need.’   For press inquiries: Cosmina Marian, Communications Advisor, International Planned Parenthood Federation, European Network: [email protected] / +32 495 339 380

BecauseSheCounts campaign
news item

| 28 May 2020

Because She Counts campaign on sexual and reproductive care

European donor governments have proved their commitment to women and girls’ safety and freedom through their policy and funding decisions on sexual and reproductive care. This campaign, developed under the umbrella of the Countdown 2030 Europe project, will reflect on the progress made so far and on the impact of the current health crisis on the achievements made. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues the determination of European donors must not waver. Around the world, sexual and reproductive care providers and advocates know that people still need access to contraception and other services, even in the midst of a pandemic. A continuation of the current lockdowns can leave 47 million women in low- and middle-income countries unable to use modern contraceptives, leading to a projected 7 million additional unintended pregnancies. Another six months of lockdowns could result in an additional 31 million cases of gender-based violence. We are asking European donors to maintain current and future Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding and to support civil society, partner countries and multilateral organisations through a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes critical investments in health and support to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Our #BecauseSheCounts social media campaign asks decision-makers to put universal health care, human rights, equality and at the core of all public policy and funding decision, amid the pandemic and always. To join our campaign, share our #BecauseSheCounts messages and visuals and tag us @C2030Europe! Ask your governments to continue to prove that solidarity goes beyond borders and should not be limited to European Union countries. The campaign assets.

BecauseSheCounts campaign
news_item

| 28 May 2020

Because She Counts campaign on sexual and reproductive care

European donor governments have proved their commitment to women and girls’ safety and freedom through their policy and funding decisions on sexual and reproductive care. This campaign, developed under the umbrella of the Countdown 2030 Europe project, will reflect on the progress made so far and on the impact of the current health crisis on the achievements made. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues the determination of European donors must not waver. Around the world, sexual and reproductive care providers and advocates know that people still need access to contraception and other services, even in the midst of a pandemic. A continuation of the current lockdowns can leave 47 million women in low- and middle-income countries unable to use modern contraceptives, leading to a projected 7 million additional unintended pregnancies. Another six months of lockdowns could result in an additional 31 million cases of gender-based violence. We are asking European donors to maintain current and future Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding and to support civil society, partner countries and multilateral organisations through a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes critical investments in health and support to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Our #BecauseSheCounts social media campaign asks decision-makers to put universal health care, human rights, equality and at the core of all public policy and funding decision, amid the pandemic and always. To join our campaign, share our #BecauseSheCounts messages and visuals and tag us @C2030Europe! Ask your governments to continue to prove that solidarity goes beyond borders and should not be limited to European Union countries. The campaign assets.

Covid-19 Europe
news item

| 25 May 2020

Europe: Millions of women and girls facing increasing discrimination, insecurity and violence amidst COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating gender inequalities and increasing levels of discrimination, insecurity and violence for women across Europe, a briefing by Amnesty International, Women's Link Worldwide and the International Planned Parenthood Federation warned today. A Guide for Europe: Protecting the rights of women and girls in times of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath provides governments with a roadmap for taking necessary measures to protect the rights of women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by the pandemic, especially those experiencing intersecting and persistent forms of discrimination. “During this health crisis and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, women’s and girls’ rights must be respected and guaranteed,” said Viviana Waisman, President & CEO of Women’s Link Worldwide.    “These guidelines give us the framework to demand that European states comply with their obligations and maintain their commitment to the rights and lives of women and girls during this crisis and beyond.” Domestic and sexual violence Even before the COVID-19 crisis, one in five women suffered violence from their partner at home in Europe. Lockdowns and isolation measures to contain the spread of the virus have exposed women and girls to increased risks of domestic abuse at the hands of their partners or other family members, and often cut them off from the much-needed support. Some European countries have taken measures to support women and girls at risk of domestic violence, but the pandemic has exposed the existing shortcomings of the responses in place, which in turn are limiting the capacity to react to the overwhelming needs during the crisis. Data shows that reports of violence against women, and particularly domestic violence, have increased alarmingly in several countries. According to recent data by the World Health Organization, emergency calls have risen by up to 60 percent compared with last year in many European countries. In some countries, the authorities point to a decrease in domestic violence incident reports, which may indicate limited reporting options for women living under the same roof as their abuser. For those affected by gender-based violence, including sexual violence, high levels of impunity and barriers to access to justice, have been one of the greatest challenges in the region even in pre-COVID-19 times. It is crucial that while taking appropriate public health measures, states must also live up to their international obligations to ensure due diligence in the investigation and prosecution of all gender-based violence cases, both during lockdowns and after restrictions are lifted. Sexual and reproductive rights Whilst some countries have enacted specific measures to ensure safe and timely access to essential sexual and reproductive health services, products and information during the pandemic, many have not. Some countries appear to be using the restrictions as an opportunity to further undermine or restrict access to sexual and reproductive rights. Hospitals and clinics have reduced sexual and reproductive health services to a bare minimum, or closed them altogether due to staff shortages and reassignments, among other reasons. In many places, accessing normal clinical services has become extremely difficult. “European governments must not exacerbate the harm caused to women by the COVID-19 crisis by failing to guarantee access to essential sexual and reproductive healthcare,” said Caroline Hickson, Regional Director of IPPF European Network.   “Restricting essential services is putting the lives, health and wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of women at risk. Countries that put care first have taken steps to protect the safety and freedom of women and girls. It can be done; there is no excuse to let women and girls down.”   Post-COVID-19 All this is happening against the backdrop of grim economic prospects for millions of women and girls in Europe, post-COVID-19.  The aftermath of the health crisis is expected to gravely impact women’s livelihoods, particularly those working in the care or informal sector and those who are already experiencing marginalisation. Women and girls’ needs and rights must be placed at the centre of the responses to COVID-19 and beyond. Women who face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, such as Roma, migrant or asylum-seeking women, sex workers, women with disabilities, trans women and others in situations of marginalisation, face an increased risk of being targeted by state agents and suffering harms including racial profiling. It is crucial that states ensure increased police powers do not affect these women disproportionately. “Europe will not be the same after COVID-19. The pandemic is an unprecedented crisis with grave human rights consequences for women and girls. Paradoxically, this dark time gives us an opportunity to do more to overcome discrimination and inequality,” said Marie Struthers, Europe Regional Director, Amnesty International   “We call on states to hear women’s voices and make the post-COVID-19 Europe a better place for all women and girls.”. The three organisations are urging the European governments to do everything in their power to ensure that human rights of women and girls are upheld and that they are not left behind.  

Covid-19 Europe
news_item

| 26 May 2020

Europe: Millions of women and girls facing increasing discrimination, insecurity and violence amidst COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating gender inequalities and increasing levels of discrimination, insecurity and violence for women across Europe, a briefing by Amnesty International, Women's Link Worldwide and the International Planned Parenthood Federation warned today. A Guide for Europe: Protecting the rights of women and girls in times of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath provides governments with a roadmap for taking necessary measures to protect the rights of women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by the pandemic, especially those experiencing intersecting and persistent forms of discrimination. “During this health crisis and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, women’s and girls’ rights must be respected and guaranteed,” said Viviana Waisman, President & CEO of Women’s Link Worldwide.    “These guidelines give us the framework to demand that European states comply with their obligations and maintain their commitment to the rights and lives of women and girls during this crisis and beyond.” Domestic and sexual violence Even before the COVID-19 crisis, one in five women suffered violence from their partner at home in Europe. Lockdowns and isolation measures to contain the spread of the virus have exposed women and girls to increased risks of domestic abuse at the hands of their partners or other family members, and often cut them off from the much-needed support. Some European countries have taken measures to support women and girls at risk of domestic violence, but the pandemic has exposed the existing shortcomings of the responses in place, which in turn are limiting the capacity to react to the overwhelming needs during the crisis. Data shows that reports of violence against women, and particularly domestic violence, have increased alarmingly in several countries. According to recent data by the World Health Organization, emergency calls have risen by up to 60 percent compared with last year in many European countries. In some countries, the authorities point to a decrease in domestic violence incident reports, which may indicate limited reporting options for women living under the same roof as their abuser. For those affected by gender-based violence, including sexual violence, high levels of impunity and barriers to access to justice, have been one of the greatest challenges in the region even in pre-COVID-19 times. It is crucial that while taking appropriate public health measures, states must also live up to their international obligations to ensure due diligence in the investigation and prosecution of all gender-based violence cases, both during lockdowns and after restrictions are lifted. Sexual and reproductive rights Whilst some countries have enacted specific measures to ensure safe and timely access to essential sexual and reproductive health services, products and information during the pandemic, many have not. Some countries appear to be using the restrictions as an opportunity to further undermine or restrict access to sexual and reproductive rights. Hospitals and clinics have reduced sexual and reproductive health services to a bare minimum, or closed them altogether due to staff shortages and reassignments, among other reasons. In many places, accessing normal clinical services has become extremely difficult. “European governments must not exacerbate the harm caused to women by the COVID-19 crisis by failing to guarantee access to essential sexual and reproductive healthcare,” said Caroline Hickson, Regional Director of IPPF European Network.   “Restricting essential services is putting the lives, health and wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of women at risk. Countries that put care first have taken steps to protect the safety and freedom of women and girls. It can be done; there is no excuse to let women and girls down.”   Post-COVID-19 All this is happening against the backdrop of grim economic prospects for millions of women and girls in Europe, post-COVID-19.  The aftermath of the health crisis is expected to gravely impact women’s livelihoods, particularly those working in the care or informal sector and those who are already experiencing marginalisation. Women and girls’ needs and rights must be placed at the centre of the responses to COVID-19 and beyond. Women who face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, such as Roma, migrant or asylum-seeking women, sex workers, women with disabilities, trans women and others in situations of marginalisation, face an increased risk of being targeted by state agents and suffering harms including racial profiling. It is crucial that states ensure increased police powers do not affect these women disproportionately. “Europe will not be the same after COVID-19. The pandemic is an unprecedented crisis with grave human rights consequences for women and girls. Paradoxically, this dark time gives us an opportunity to do more to overcome discrimination and inequality,” said Marie Struthers, Europe Regional Director, Amnesty International   “We call on states to hear women’s voices and make the post-COVID-19 Europe a better place for all women and girls.”. The three organisations are urging the European governments to do everything in their power to ensure that human rights of women and girls are upheld and that they are not left behind.  

LGBTI
news item

| 18 May 2020

IPPF is committed to fighting homophobia and transphobia worldwide

Today marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), a day to draw attention to the discrimination and violence experienced by the LGBTI community. The day represents a major global annual landmark to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, corporations, opinion leaders and local authorities to the alarming situation faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. Sexual and reproductive health and rights are for everyone, inclusive of sexual and gender diversity. This is particularly important since the outbreak of COVID-19, where people not conforming to sexual and gender norms are facing further abuse, neglect, incarceration and stigmatization. IPPF’s vision for "a world where all people can make decisions about their sexuality and well-being, in a world free of discrimination" strongly supports the position that all people have the right to self-determination according to their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sex characteristics. IPPF is made up of people who also reflect sexual and gender diversity – many of our staff, board members, volunteers and partners are part of LGBTI communities. Our Federation is committed to providing quality and non-discriminatory services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people, and to fight for the recognition of the rights of sexual and gender diverse people worldwide. “The trans community has been implementing projects for sexual health promotion with MEXFAM for many years. We work with our peers from the LGBTI community, but also with the general population and they really appreciate what we do. They come to us for counseling and information. We are not the ‘weirdos’ anymore."  – Joseline Sosa, volunteer at MEXFAM Oaxaca, an IPPF Member Association           We work in cooperation and solidarity with the LGBTI movement by:  Promoting inter-governmental declarations that recognize the right to a life free of violence and discrimination for LGBTI people at the UN in Geneva and New York  Fighting for the decriminalization of same-sex acts where it is still prohibited, including Trinidad & Tobago and India Provide friendly services for HIV and STI prevention and treatment for men who have sex with men in Botswana  Partnering with LGBTI organizations to respond to humanitarian situations in Nepal and Tonga Supporting teachers in providing sexual and gender diverse education all over the world Implementing protocols for sex change for trans people in Colombia Providing trans-specific dignity kits during natural disasters in Sri Lanka Fighting for same-sex marriage and recognition of same-sex families in Romania Those are just a few examples, but members of our Federation have been supporting the movement for years, and in some cases for decades.   Since 2018, IPPF has established a Steering Committee, led by our Member Association in Norway, Sex og Politikk, to advance the sexual and gender diversity agenda within and outside our Federation.The Steering Committee includes representatives from all the Regional Offices.  On 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, we reaffirm our commitment to achieving a world in which no person suffers discrimination or violence because of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics; a world where the life or the integrity of people is not put at risk by prejudice; a world where all people can decide with whom to share their sexuality and their life; a world where people live healthy lives regardless of their sexual practices and their bodies.  IPPF – in all of its diversity – will continue to fight for the human right for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sex characteristics, to be respected, celebrated and recognized. In the end – love wins. Happy IDAHOBIT!

LGBTI
news_item

| 17 May 2020

IPPF is committed to fighting homophobia and transphobia worldwide

Today marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), a day to draw attention to the discrimination and violence experienced by the LGBTI community. The day represents a major global annual landmark to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, corporations, opinion leaders and local authorities to the alarming situation faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. Sexual and reproductive health and rights are for everyone, inclusive of sexual and gender diversity. This is particularly important since the outbreak of COVID-19, where people not conforming to sexual and gender norms are facing further abuse, neglect, incarceration and stigmatization. IPPF’s vision for "a world where all people can make decisions about their sexuality and well-being, in a world free of discrimination" strongly supports the position that all people have the right to self-determination according to their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sex characteristics. IPPF is made up of people who also reflect sexual and gender diversity – many of our staff, board members, volunteers and partners are part of LGBTI communities. Our Federation is committed to providing quality and non-discriminatory services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people, and to fight for the recognition of the rights of sexual and gender diverse people worldwide. “The trans community has been implementing projects for sexual health promotion with MEXFAM for many years. We work with our peers from the LGBTI community, but also with the general population and they really appreciate what we do. They come to us for counseling and information. We are not the ‘weirdos’ anymore."  – Joseline Sosa, volunteer at MEXFAM Oaxaca, an IPPF Member Association           We work in cooperation and solidarity with the LGBTI movement by:  Promoting inter-governmental declarations that recognize the right to a life free of violence and discrimination for LGBTI people at the UN in Geneva and New York  Fighting for the decriminalization of same-sex acts where it is still prohibited, including Trinidad & Tobago and India Provide friendly services for HIV and STI prevention and treatment for men who have sex with men in Botswana  Partnering with LGBTI organizations to respond to humanitarian situations in Nepal and Tonga Supporting teachers in providing sexual and gender diverse education all over the world Implementing protocols for sex change for trans people in Colombia Providing trans-specific dignity kits during natural disasters in Sri Lanka Fighting for same-sex marriage and recognition of same-sex families in Romania Those are just a few examples, but members of our Federation have been supporting the movement for years, and in some cases for decades.   Since 2018, IPPF has established a Steering Committee, led by our Member Association in Norway, Sex og Politikk, to advance the sexual and gender diversity agenda within and outside our Federation.The Steering Committee includes representatives from all the Regional Offices.  On 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, we reaffirm our commitment to achieving a world in which no person suffers discrimination or violence because of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics; a world where the life or the integrity of people is not put at risk by prejudice; a world where all people can decide with whom to share their sexuality and their life; a world where people live healthy lives regardless of their sexual practices and their bodies.  IPPF – in all of its diversity – will continue to fight for the human right for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sex characteristics, to be respected, celebrated and recognized. In the end – love wins. Happy IDAHOBIT!

Europe Covid-19 gender equality
news item

| 22 April 2020

For a Europe that cares for all – during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

Democracy – Inclusion – Justice – Solidarity – Sustainability The COVID-19 pandemic is demonstrating all too well that unequal societies go hand-in-hand with human suffering, fragile economies and delicate democracies. Solidarity must be the bedrock of Europe’s response to this crisis: to fighting the pandemic and protecting all people, to managing the social and economic consequences, and to defending democracy. Solidarity goes beyond borders and should not be limited to European Union countries. This is more than a public health crisis; it is a systems crisis. Like the climate crisis, and the many other crises we face, it affects everyone but hits some harder than others. The COVID-19 pandemic magnifies the inequalities in our societies. Inequality was already a global problem but it now risks growing to irreversible proportions. Alongside the millions of workers who have lost their jobs and income, those most affected include migrants at the borders, precarious workers, undocumented people, low income families, homeless people, elderly people, women, and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses – including many racial and ethnic minorities. Health workers, and other essential service workers, are on the front line. We are witnessing the fundamental social and economic value of care work and basic services, work that is overwhelmingly carried out by women, and is too often ignored, under-valued, and always under-paid. We, the undersigned European civil society actors, are committed to working together towards a shared vision of the future of Europe, one that is based on a socially just, feminist, sustainable, democratic and inclusive society. In this time of crisis, we stand ready, in solidarity, to act together. We recognise that alongside international organizations, NGOs and governments, the European Union has attempted to respond to this emergency. However, it can and must go further. We call on the European institutions and Member State governments to seize this moment to work towards fundamental change in our social, economic and political systems. We stand ready to support the transition away from the current social and economic model, which drives inequality and environmental destruction and leaves us unprepared when crises hit.  We call on European decision-makers to come together, across borders, to show the vision and courage to set Europe on the path to a sustainable future; a future of resilient democracies built on human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, human rights and the rule of law. Europe must demonstrate it cares for all, through times of crisis, and beyond   The European Union must take action to: Build a solidarity-driven and comprehensive strategy to prevent infections, save lives and minimise the ongoing impact of the pandemic. This must include ensuring that any vaccine, or treatment, developed for COVID-19 is affordable and accessible to all, and that patent rules that put pharmaceutical industry profits before public health are overhauled. Raise awareness of, and help to counter, all forms of disinformation, in particular racist and sexist responses to the pandemic. Ensure that restrictive emergency measures serve the purpose of combating the pandemic only, are time-limited, and are compatible with the rule of law and the EU’s fundamental values. Simultaneously, dialogue with, and support for, organised civil society must be maintained.   Guarantee that any use of digital technologies, including apps and Artificial Intelligence, to monitor the spread of the virus and the behaviour of human beings is lawful, ethical, and strictly temporary. Private companies must not be allowed to access this data for commercial purposes. End the age of austerity in Europe, and work towards a macroeconomic framework that prioritises tackling inequality, and invests in human wellbeing and the preservation and protection of the natural environment that sustains us. Tax wealthy companies and individuals to help pay for the costs of the rescue and recovery packages. Strengthen workers' rights, safeguard employment, support people’s income, and introduce measures to protect those left out of the labour market. Measures should address the situation in Europe and the EU’s partner countries, and should especially consider health workers, care-givers and those in precarious work, the overwhelming majority of whom are women. Support health systems and people in the global South, and ensure basic services, in particular healthcare and access to water, are provided to all regardless of resident status, race, nationality, language or other factors.  Fast-forward the transition to a just, sustainable future by increasing the ambition of the European Green Deal. This requires transformational solutions and investing in the Just Transition, including quality low-energy buildings and public transport, low resource-use models of production, and a robust and sustainable food system. Develop a more resilient, structured and permanent governance system at the EU-27 level for the management of health crises, which draws lessons from the current COVID-19 crisis.   Signatories 350.org ACT Alliance EU ActionAid International Albanian Center for Population and Development (ACPD) All Together in Dignity (ATD) Ireland Amnesty International Asociación Caminos ATD Fourth World CATRO Bulgaria CEE Bankwatch Network CIDSE Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe CONCORD Europe Coordinadora de ONGD-España Czechia Against Poverty and Inequality Defend Democracy End FGM European Network Eurodiaconia European Civic Forum European Consortium for Emergency Contraception European Disability Forum European Environmental Bureau (EEB) European Movement International European Network Against Racism (ENAR) European Oncology Nursing Society European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) European Women’s Lobby European Youth Forum Fair Trade Advocacy Office Federación de Planificación Familiar de España Friends of the Earth Europe Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) Greenpeace Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) International Planned Parenthood Federation, European Network Know and Can Association Le Planning Familial Lithuanian NGDO Platform Mighty Earth Naturefriends International (NFI) Open Society European Policy Initiative Österreichische Gesellschaft für Familienplanung (ÖGF) P&D Factor - Ass. Cooperação sobre População e Desencolvimento, Portugal Pistes Solidaires Povod Rehabilitation Center for Stress and Trauma - RCT SOCIAL PLATFORM Society for Education on Contraception and Sexuality (SECS) Romania SOLIDAR The Good Lobby WeMove Europe WWF European Policy Office (EPO) YouAct - European Youth Network on Sexual and Reproductive Rights Young Feminist Europe Young Friends of the Earth Europe  

Europe Covid-19 gender equality
news_item

| 22 April 2020

For a Europe that cares for all – during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

Democracy – Inclusion – Justice – Solidarity – Sustainability The COVID-19 pandemic is demonstrating all too well that unequal societies go hand-in-hand with human suffering, fragile economies and delicate democracies. Solidarity must be the bedrock of Europe’s response to this crisis: to fighting the pandemic and protecting all people, to managing the social and economic consequences, and to defending democracy. Solidarity goes beyond borders and should not be limited to European Union countries. This is more than a public health crisis; it is a systems crisis. Like the climate crisis, and the many other crises we face, it affects everyone but hits some harder than others. The COVID-19 pandemic magnifies the inequalities in our societies. Inequality was already a global problem but it now risks growing to irreversible proportions. Alongside the millions of workers who have lost their jobs and income, those most affected include migrants at the borders, precarious workers, undocumented people, low income families, homeless people, elderly people, women, and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses – including many racial and ethnic minorities. Health workers, and other essential service workers, are on the front line. We are witnessing the fundamental social and economic value of care work and basic services, work that is overwhelmingly carried out by women, and is too often ignored, under-valued, and always under-paid. We, the undersigned European civil society actors, are committed to working together towards a shared vision of the future of Europe, one that is based on a socially just, feminist, sustainable, democratic and inclusive society. In this time of crisis, we stand ready, in solidarity, to act together. We recognise that alongside international organizations, NGOs and governments, the European Union has attempted to respond to this emergency. However, it can and must go further. We call on the European institutions and Member State governments to seize this moment to work towards fundamental change in our social, economic and political systems. We stand ready to support the transition away from the current social and economic model, which drives inequality and environmental destruction and leaves us unprepared when crises hit.  We call on European decision-makers to come together, across borders, to show the vision and courage to set Europe on the path to a sustainable future; a future of resilient democracies built on human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, human rights and the rule of law. Europe must demonstrate it cares for all, through times of crisis, and beyond   The European Union must take action to: Build a solidarity-driven and comprehensive strategy to prevent infections, save lives and minimise the ongoing impact of the pandemic. This must include ensuring that any vaccine, or treatment, developed for COVID-19 is affordable and accessible to all, and that patent rules that put pharmaceutical industry profits before public health are overhauled. Raise awareness of, and help to counter, all forms of disinformation, in particular racist and sexist responses to the pandemic. Ensure that restrictive emergency measures serve the purpose of combating the pandemic only, are time-limited, and are compatible with the rule of law and the EU’s fundamental values. Simultaneously, dialogue with, and support for, organised civil society must be maintained.   Guarantee that any use of digital technologies, including apps and Artificial Intelligence, to monitor the spread of the virus and the behaviour of human beings is lawful, ethical, and strictly temporary. Private companies must not be allowed to access this data for commercial purposes. End the age of austerity in Europe, and work towards a macroeconomic framework that prioritises tackling inequality, and invests in human wellbeing and the preservation and protection of the natural environment that sustains us. Tax wealthy companies and individuals to help pay for the costs of the rescue and recovery packages. Strengthen workers' rights, safeguard employment, support people’s income, and introduce measures to protect those left out of the labour market. Measures should address the situation in Europe and the EU’s partner countries, and should especially consider health workers, care-givers and those in precarious work, the overwhelming majority of whom are women. Support health systems and people in the global South, and ensure basic services, in particular healthcare and access to water, are provided to all regardless of resident status, race, nationality, language or other factors.  Fast-forward the transition to a just, sustainable future by increasing the ambition of the European Green Deal. This requires transformational solutions and investing in the Just Transition, including quality low-energy buildings and public transport, low resource-use models of production, and a robust and sustainable food system. Develop a more resilient, structured and permanent governance system at the EU-27 level for the management of health crises, which draws lessons from the current COVID-19 crisis.   Signatories 350.org ACT Alliance EU ActionAid International Albanian Center for Population and Development (ACPD) All Together in Dignity (ATD) Ireland Amnesty International Asociación Caminos ATD Fourth World CATRO Bulgaria CEE Bankwatch Network CIDSE Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe CONCORD Europe Coordinadora de ONGD-España Czechia Against Poverty and Inequality Defend Democracy End FGM European Network Eurodiaconia European Civic Forum European Consortium for Emergency Contraception European Disability Forum European Environmental Bureau (EEB) European Movement International European Network Against Racism (ENAR) European Oncology Nursing Society European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) European Women’s Lobby European Youth Forum Fair Trade Advocacy Office Federación de Planificación Familiar de España Friends of the Earth Europe Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) Greenpeace Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) International Planned Parenthood Federation, European Network Know and Can Association Le Planning Familial Lithuanian NGDO Platform Mighty Earth Naturefriends International (NFI) Open Society European Policy Initiative Österreichische Gesellschaft für Familienplanung (ÖGF) P&D Factor - Ass. Cooperação sobre População e Desencolvimento, Portugal Pistes Solidaires Povod Rehabilitation Center for Stress and Trauma - RCT SOCIAL PLATFORM Society for Education on Contraception and Sexuality (SECS) Romania SOLIDAR The Good Lobby WeMove Europe WWF European Policy Office (EPO) YouAct - European Youth Network on Sexual and Reproductive Rights Young Feminist Europe Young Friends of the Earth Europe  

Black Protest Poland
news item

| 10 April 2020

Polish ruling party exploits the current health crisis to undermine women and young people’s safety

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, bills banning abortion care in practice and endangering young people by criminalizing relationship and sexuality education are set to be voted in the Polish Sejm on 15 and 16 April 2020. The ultra-conservative ruling party is taking advantage of the enormous hardship faced by Polish people to continue its relentless series of attacks on women and young people’s safety and wellbeing. People are sick, domestic violence is growing, one million jobs have been lost, yet the government adds to the burden of lack of social supports.   The Polish law on abortion care is one of the most restrictive in Europe. Abortion is only lawful to safeguard the life or health of women, in situations of severe fetal anomaly or where the pregnancy results from rape or incest. In practice, 98% of legal abortions in Poland are performed on severe fetal anomaly grounds. During COVID-19 times, with travel restriction in place, hospitals overwhelmed by the health emergency, many from the medical staff already denying care based on personal beliefs or convenience, women’s options are drastically reduced. This proposed bill would result in a total abortion ban in practice, forcing women and families to go through pregnancies against their will in case of fatal fetal abnormality at a time of dramatic economic instability with no social support from the state. This shows how little women’s lives and dignity are valued by the Polish ruling class. The bill would also gag doctors by restricting what they can say to their patients about the condition of the fetus, violating patients’ rights to information. The change proposed by this bill is permanent and will place women’s health and lives at risk. “We know that when women and girls cannot access abortion care, in their desperation, they will resort to taking matters into their own hands, often with tragic consequences. Domestic violence is rising sharply, and families are stretched to the limits of their endurance. It is the moment when we most need to ensure we provide all the care that our societies need” said Caroline Hickson, IPPF EN Regional Director. The second bill would result in a complete ban on teaching relationship and sexuality education, sharing evidence-based information on the Internet, as well as forbidding doctors from providing contraceptive care to young people under 18. Those who work to protect young people by giving them information about healthy relationships, intimate life and prevention of violence could face a 3-year prison sentence under this draft bill. The only source of information young people could end up with is pornography and religious doctrines. UNESCO guidelines underline that education addressing equality between men and women and focusing on consent can reduce intimate partner violence. Why is this not a priority when violence against women is endemic and we know is even aggravated during the lockdown? “The timing of these bills is dodgy. As public protests cannot take place due to the measures put in place to fight the pandemic, women are silenced. The medieval forces behind these proposals know massive protests would have been organized across the country to fight these draconian bills. Enough is enough” said Irene Donadio, IPPF EN Senior Adviser. We call on Members of Poland’s Parliament to listen to the voices of women and families across Poland, to protect women’s safety and young people’s health and to reject these regressive bills. The Polish government must prioritise people’s health and wellbeing, democracy and the rule of law. Exploiting the health crisis to attack women’s health care is reckless, cruel and a guarantee of aggravated human suffering.   For more information or an interview please contact: Irene Donadio, Senior Adviser at IPPF EN, [email protected], +32 491 17 19 390

Black Protest Poland
news_item

| 14 April 2020

Polish ruling party exploits the current health crisis to undermine women and young people’s safety

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, bills banning abortion care in practice and endangering young people by criminalizing relationship and sexuality education are set to be voted in the Polish Sejm on 15 and 16 April 2020. The ultra-conservative ruling party is taking advantage of the enormous hardship faced by Polish people to continue its relentless series of attacks on women and young people’s safety and wellbeing. People are sick, domestic violence is growing, one million jobs have been lost, yet the government adds to the burden of lack of social supports.   The Polish law on abortion care is one of the most restrictive in Europe. Abortion is only lawful to safeguard the life or health of women, in situations of severe fetal anomaly or where the pregnancy results from rape or incest. In practice, 98% of legal abortions in Poland are performed on severe fetal anomaly grounds. During COVID-19 times, with travel restriction in place, hospitals overwhelmed by the health emergency, many from the medical staff already denying care based on personal beliefs or convenience, women’s options are drastically reduced. This proposed bill would result in a total abortion ban in practice, forcing women and families to go through pregnancies against their will in case of fatal fetal abnormality at a time of dramatic economic instability with no social support from the state. This shows how little women’s lives and dignity are valued by the Polish ruling class. The bill would also gag doctors by restricting what they can say to their patients about the condition of the fetus, violating patients’ rights to information. The change proposed by this bill is permanent and will place women’s health and lives at risk. “We know that when women and girls cannot access abortion care, in their desperation, they will resort to taking matters into their own hands, often with tragic consequences. Domestic violence is rising sharply, and families are stretched to the limits of their endurance. It is the moment when we most need to ensure we provide all the care that our societies need” said Caroline Hickson, IPPF EN Regional Director. The second bill would result in a complete ban on teaching relationship and sexuality education, sharing evidence-based information on the Internet, as well as forbidding doctors from providing contraceptive care to young people under 18. Those who work to protect young people by giving them information about healthy relationships, intimate life and prevention of violence could face a 3-year prison sentence under this draft bill. The only source of information young people could end up with is pornography and religious doctrines. UNESCO guidelines underline that education addressing equality between men and women and focusing on consent can reduce intimate partner violence. Why is this not a priority when violence against women is endemic and we know is even aggravated during the lockdown? “The timing of these bills is dodgy. As public protests cannot take place due to the measures put in place to fight the pandemic, women are silenced. The medieval forces behind these proposals know massive protests would have been organized across the country to fight these draconian bills. Enough is enough” said Irene Donadio, IPPF EN Senior Adviser. We call on Members of Poland’s Parliament to listen to the voices of women and families across Poland, to protect women’s safety and young people’s health and to reject these regressive bills. The Polish government must prioritise people’s health and wellbeing, democracy and the rule of law. Exploiting the health crisis to attack women’s health care is reckless, cruel and a guarantee of aggravated human suffering.   For more information or an interview please contact: Irene Donadio, Senior Adviser at IPPF EN, [email protected], +32 491 17 19 390