Resources

Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) encompass all rights related to sexuality and parenthood. When SRHR are realised, people are free and able to decide if, when and with whom to have sex; they have safe, healthy, consensual, pleasurable relationships; they have the means to decide whether and when to become pregnant, continue a pregnancy, become parents, and have the number of children they want; free from discrimination, coercion and violence. SRHR are human rights, and essential to leading a free, safe and healthy life. But they are far from universally accessible. Throughout the world, and even within Europe, access to abortion and other reproductive rights varies greatly, and is subject to a broad range of restrictions. Access to care is even harder for populations who suffer from systemic and intersecting discrimination and inequalities. The European Parliament has a longstanding legacy as the EU institutions' strongest defender of SRHR, and it is vital that it continues to uphold and advance them in the new legislative term.  As an MEP, you can take many actions in a wide range of policy areas of EU competences, to advance SRHR in the next five years. Here is a collection of resources to help navigate some of the key topics related to sexual and reproductive safety and dignity. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on access to and enjoyment of sexual and reproductive health services and rights. While families, couples and individuals have faced intense pressure and hardship as a result of the pandemic, life-saving sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and supplies, including sexual and gender-based violence services, have become scarce and/or inaccessible. Existing socioeconomic inequalities have been exacerbated, especially as they pertain to girls, women and marginalised groups.  As nationally owned and locally operated health service providers, IPPF Member Associations (MAs) remain committed to their communities and the people within them. In this Case Study series, we share progress, learning and innovation that has occurred within MAs over the course of the pandemic. The case studies cover: telemedicine for abortion in the COVID-19 context, SGBV response in COVID-19, adapting sexuality education in COVID-19 through digitalisation, and leaving no one behind, especially marginalised populations. Take a look at the above Case Studies from Bulgaria, Estonia, Serbia and Ireland. 

This European Parliament Report, authored by MEP Predrag Fred Matić, is the first report specifically dedicated to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in almost 10 years. Whilst the European Parliament has repeatedly expressed concerns over the lack of full realisation of, and attacks against women’s rights, gender equality and SRHR in various reports, this report will give a high level of political importance to SRHR at EU level. It will send a strong signal to the European Commission, EU Member States, as well as all European citizens, that MEPs are fully committed to protect and promote SRHR in the EU. The report reaffirms SRHR as human rights, intrinsically linked with gender equality and combating gender-based violence; it highlights the remaining challenges in accessing the whole range of SRHR in the EU, challenges compounded by COVID-19 measures; and denounces the backsliding on women’s rights, gender equality and SRHR across Europe and globally. To learn more about why it's important read our briefing developed with the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive Rights.