European Abortion Access Under Threat as Rights Rollbacks Accelerate
Brussels, Belgium - November 8, 2025 – Access to abortion across Europe is increasingly constrained by existing barriers and facing a new wave of attempts to curtail reproductive rights, according to a thorough new report. The findings, released today, reveal a complex landscape were legal frameworks vary dramatically, and even countries with nominally liberal laws present meaningful practical obstacles for those seeking care.
The report, compiled using data from the European Parliamentary Forum for sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF)’s ‘European Abortion Policy atlas,’ the World Health Association (WHO) global Abortion Policies Database, and interviews with 11 abortion rights activists and organizations conducted between May and September 2025, paints a concerning picture. While some nations have expanded access, a growing trend of restrictive measures-including mandatory waiting periods, biased counseling, and limitations on methods-is jeopardizing reproductive autonomy for millions of women and individuals needing abortion care. This escalating challenge arrives at a time when geopolitical instability and rising anti-rights movements are amplifying threats to sexual and reproductive health and rights globally.
The EPF’s updated Atlas details the patchwork of laws across the continent. Countries like Poland and Malta maintain near-total bans, while others, such as Italy and Hungary, are enacting regional restrictions that effectively limit access for many. Even in countries where abortion is legal nationwide, such as France and Spain, barriers persist. These include a shortage of providers, notably in rural areas, conscientious objection by medical personnel, and financial constraints that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Interviews conducted for the report highlight a coordinated effort to undermine abortion access through disinformation campaigns and legal challenges. Activists report a surge in politically motivated prosecutions of healthcare providers and individuals seeking abortions,creating a chilling effect on both patients and practitioners. The WHO’s Global Abortion Policies Database corroborates these concerns,showing a global trend toward more restrictive abortion laws and policies.
The report underscores the urgent need for increased investment in comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, the protection of healthcare providers, and robust legal safeguards to ensure access to abortion for all who need it. Failure to address these challenges will have profound consequences for the health, well-being, and equality of individuals across Europe.
