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The XES team is disappointed that a vote on a resolution calling for universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights throughout Europe did not take place.
The resolution for the European Parliament (EP), drafted by Portuguese MEP Edite Estrela, was sent back to the Women’s Right and Gender Equality Committee, which had adopted it, for ‘further work’.
Pro-choice and women’s rights groups had lobbied MEPs to vote for the resolution, which called on member states to implement various standards, including safe and legal abortion services, comprehensive sex and relationships education, teaching about negative LGB and T stereotypes and the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.
The EP’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights had this response after the report was referred back to the committee by 351 votes to 319.
In support of the resolution, this document highlighted some facts and figures around European sexual and reproductive health and rights. These include the fact that globally every dollar spent on family planning saves over four dollars otherwise spent treating complications from unintended pregnancies.
Through our Unprotected Nation report (PDF), we know that investment in sexual health makes sense – not least in economic terms.
In the UK, for every £1 invested in contraception £12.50 is saved in public expenditure.(1)
While the XES – We Can’t Go Backwards campaign focuses on achieving open access to and improved sexual health services for everyone here in the UK, at Brook and FPA we look forward to the day when all men and women are able to exercise their sexual and reproductive health rights.
