{"id":15803,"date":"2025-04-03T13:21:22","date_gmt":"2025-04-03T12:21:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/?p=15803"},"modified":"2025-04-04T17:53:59","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T16:53:59","slug":"reproductive-rights-in-europe-the-power-of-advocacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/news\/2025\/04\/reproductive-rights-in-europe-the-power-of-advocacy\/","title":{"rendered":"The Power of Advocacy: Reproductive Rights in Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-light curved-bottom\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#e6c59a\"><\/span><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"720\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-2366\" alt=\"Contraception Banner 2 banner\" src=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Contraception-Baner-2.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Contraception-Baner-2.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Contraception-Baner-2-300x113.jpg 300w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Contraception-Baner-2-1024x384.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Contraception-Baner-2-768x288.jpg 768w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Contraception-Baner-2-1536x576.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\"><h1 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-post-title\">The Power of Advocacy: Reproductive Rights in Europe<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2025-04-03T13:21:22+01:00\">3 April 2025<\/time><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"lead\">Across Europe, access to contraception and reproductive rights varies dramatically. While some countries lead with progressive policies, others impose severe restrictions. Advocacy remains the driving force for change. This blog explores the disparities, the challenges and some of the activists fighting for reproductive freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.guttmacher.org\/fact-sheet\/unintended-pregnancy-and-abortion-europe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Guttmacher Institute<\/a>, 36% of pregnancies in Europe are unintended, a number that has steadily declined over the last 30 years. The reasons for this fall are varied, including improved access to modern contraception and better sexual and reproductive health education. The linchpin of all these improvements is advocacy, people, particularly women\u2019s rights organisations, working on the ground every day to improve the lives of women across the continent. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you drill down further, the picture across Europe looks very different. A distinct divide in reproductive health exists between the east and the west. We\u2019ll explore some of the reasons why, as well as some of the important work being done by activists.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The European Contraception Policy Atlas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epfweb.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-02\/CCInfoEU_A3_EN_2025_FEB14%20BIS_0.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Contraception Policy Atlas Europe<\/a> is an annual report by the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epfweb.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual &amp; Reproductive Rights (EPF)<\/a>. It scores and ranks 47 European countries on contraception access, counselling and government information across the continent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year, France and Luxembourg top the rankings (93.2%), offering free consultations, strong public funding and reliable online information. The UK (91.6%) and Portugal (91.2%) also perform well, with Portugal improving access to modern contraceptives and rising from a score of 82.7% in 2024.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1093\" height=\"783\" src=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-26-115242.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15705\" srcset=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-26-115242.png 1093w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-26-115242-300x215.png 300w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-26-115242-1024x734.png 1024w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-26-115242-768x550.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1093px) 100vw, 1093px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Contraception Policy Atlas 2025 Map \u00a9 EPF<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We spoke with Dr Teresa Bombas, a gynaecologist and obstetrician at Coimbra Hospital and University Centre in Portugal. As President of the <a href=\"https:\/\/escrh.eu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health,<\/a> she advises policymakers on sexual health and has worked to improve contraception access in Portugal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;A lot of good work has taken place, but it [The Contraception Atlas] doesn\u2019t tell the whole story,&#8221;<\/em> Dr. Bombas cautioned. <em>&#8220;Portugal has good laws but the government doesn\u2019t support access, and while the official information [on government websites] has been updated in the last two years, we have to optimise the population&#8217;s access to reproductive health services.&#8221;<\/em> &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Bombas pointed out that while Portugal has invested in contraception, abortion laws are still restrictive and limited services in rural areas leave many women having to overcome challenging barriers to exercise their right to bodily autonomy and choice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A widening divide between East and West<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While Hungary, Cyprus and Russia scored poorly, Poland remains the lowest-ranked country (33.2%). A lack of contraception coverage schemes for adults and absent government-supported websites contribute to their poor scores.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During last year\u2019s Contraception Policy Atlas launch, Polish MEP Robert Biedron stated that the then-new Polish government were devoted to human rights and committed to improving access to contraception. Mr Biedron announced that emergency contraception would soon be available without a prescription, once it had been passed through parliament. One year later, this still has not happened.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Bombas warns that political commitments mean little without action. <em>\u201cWe\u2019ve seen that policies promising improved access can stall unless governments prioritise implementation,\u201d<\/em> she explains. She also stresses that restrictive policies &#8211; whether through outright bans or systemic barriers and misinformation &#8211; continue to undermine reproductive rights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cThere is a need to update public knowledge &#8211; starting with clear, accessible information from providers. Women must understand their rights, and laws that create barriers to access need to be removed.\u201d<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<cite>Dr. Teresa Bombas<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1915\" height=\"858\" src=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-25-091955.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15706\" srcset=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-25-091955.png 1915w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-25-091955-300x134.png 300w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-25-091955-1024x459.png 1024w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-25-091955-768x344.png 768w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Screenshot-2025-02-25-091955-1536x688.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1915px) 100vw, 1915px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Population Matters meeting with Dr. Teresa Bombas on 25 February 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As governments fail to act, grassroots organisations like <a href=\"https:\/\/astra.org.pl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ASTRA<\/a> \u2013 the Central and Eastern European Network for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights \u2013 have stepped in to provide essential advocacy and support. Established in 1999, ASTRA coordinates efforts across 20 countries and 40 organisations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ASTRA works with partners such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/federa.org.pl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Federation for Women and Family Planning<\/a> (FEDERA) in Poland, which fights restrictive abortion laws and provides legal and practical support to women. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cThe provision of access to comprehensive sexuality education, contraceptives, abortion, high-quality prenatal testing, and other reproductive services is the policymakers\u2019 duty. Unfortunately, fundamentalists and authoritarian governments do not recognise that fact \u2013 but as women\u2019s rights activists, we are here to change that and guarantee choice, protection, and safety for all.\u201d&nbsp;<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<cite>Antonina Lewandowska, <strong>National Advocacy Coordinator<\/strong> of FEDERA&nbsp;<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>In Hungary, <a href=\"https:\/\/patent.org.hu\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Patent<\/a> provides legal aid and psychological assistance to victims of violence and reproductive rights violations. The <a href=\"https:\/\/womenofarmenia.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Women\u2019s Resource Center<\/a> in Armenia empowers women through advocacy, education and support. Together, these groups work to challenge misinformation, push policy changes and provide vital services.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Power of Advocacy<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Contraception Policy Atlas is a reminder that reproductive rights require constant vigilance. Across Europe, activists, healthcare professionals and advocacy groups are working tirelessly to expand access to contraception. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They also challenge barriers like misinformation, restrictive policies and conscientious objection, which is often used to deny legal reproductive healthcare. While personal beliefs are respected, its widespread use\u2014particularly when entire hospitals refuse care\u2014can leave women without essential services. Advocacy plays a crucial role in ensuring that legal rights translate into real access.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Bombas acknowledges that, while challenges remain, demand for reproductive rights is growing: \u201cThe positive thing is that people are requesting reproductive rights\u2014they want them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Networks like ASTRA push for reforms and provide support where government action has stalled. Portugal has made major strides in contraception access, proving that change is possible through sustained advocacy.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As our <a href=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/news\/2025\/02\/belarus-birth-rate-pronatalist-policies-and-demographic-challenges\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">series of blogs<\/a> has illustrated, reproductive rights are fragile, but thanks to the dedication of thousands of activists and medical professionals, they are not without defenders. Their work deserves recognition and support to ensure continued progress across Europe and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-popmat-share\"><a class=\"fb-share\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpopulationmatters.org%2Fnews%2F2025%2F04%2Freproductive-rights-in-europe-the-power-of-advocacy%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 32H48A48 48 0 0 0 0 80v352a48 48 0 0 0 48 48h137.25V327.69h-63V256h63v-54.64c0-62.15 37-96.48 93.67-96.48 27.14 0 55.52 4.84 55.52 4.84v61h-31.27c-30.81 0-40.42 19.12-40.42 38.73V256h68.78l-11 71.69h-57.78V480H400a48 48 0 0 0 48-48V80a48 48 0 0 0-48-48z\"><\/path><\/svg> Share<\/div><\/a><a class=\"tw-share\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpopulationmatters.org%2Fnews%2F2025%2F04%2Freproductive-rights-in-europe-the-power-of-advocacy%2F&amp;text=The%20Power%20of%20Advocacy%3A%20Reproductive%20Rights%20in%20Europe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M459.37 151.716c.325 4.548.325 9.097.325 13.645 0 138.72-105.583 298.558-298.558 298.558-59.452 0-114.68-17.219-161.137-47.106 8.447.974 16.568 1.299 25.34 1.299 49.055 0 94.213-16.568 130.274-44.832-46.132-.975-84.792-31.188-98.112-72.772 6.498.974 12.995 1.624 19.818 1.624 9.421 0 18.843-1.3 27.614-3.573-48.081-9.747-84.143-51.98-84.143-102.985v-1.299c13.969 7.797 30.214 12.67 47.431 13.319-28.264-18.843-46.781-51.005-46.781-87.391 0-19.492 5.197-37.36 14.294-52.954 51.655 63.675 129.3 105.258 216.365 109.807-1.624-7.797-2.599-15.918-2.599-24.04 0-57.828 46.782-104.934 104.934-104.934 30.213 0 57.502 12.67 76.67 33.137 23.715-4.548 46.456-13.32 66.599-25.34-7.798 24.366-24.366 44.833-46.132 57.827 21.117-2.273 41.584-8.122 60.426-16.243-14.292 20.791-32.161 39.308-52.628 54.253z\"><\/path><\/svg> Tweet<\/div><\/a><a class=\"li-share\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpopulationmatters.org%2Fnews%2F2025%2F04%2Freproductive-rights-in-europe-the-power-of-advocacy%2F&amp;text=The%20Power%20of%20Advocacy%3A%20Reproductive%20Rights%20in%20Europe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M416 32H31.9C14.3 32 0 46.5 0 64.3v383.4C0 465.5 14.3 480 31.9 480H416c17.6 0 32-14.5 32-32.3V64.3c0-17.8-14.4-32.3-32-32.3zM135.4 416H69V202.2h66.5V416zm-33.2-243c-21.3 0-38.5-17.3-38.5-38.5S80.9 96 102.2 96c21.2 0 38.5 17.3 38.5 38.5 0 21.3-17.2 38.5-38.5 38.5zm282.1 243h-66.4V312c0-24.8-.5-56.7-34.5-56.7-34.6 0-39.9 27-39.9 54.9V416h-66.4V202.2h63.7v29.2h.9c8.9-16.8 30.6-34.5 62.9-34.5 67.2 0 79.7 44.3 79.7 101.9V416z\"><\/path><\/svg> Post<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-light-blue-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related content<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-popmat-grid grid grid-3\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-popmat-post-teaser\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/news\/2025\/02\/belarus-birth-rate-pronatalist-policies-and-demographic-challenges\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3>Belarus&#8217; Birth Rate: Pronatalist Policies and Demographic Challenges<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"514\" src=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/jana-shnipelson-QDXjygmpyPk-unsplash-768x514.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-15566\" srcset=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/jana-shnipelson-QDXjygmpyPk-unsplash-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/jana-shnipelson-QDXjygmpyPk-unsplash-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/jana-shnipelson-QDXjygmpyPk-unsplash-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/jana-shnipelson-QDXjygmpyPk-unsplash-1536x1028.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/jana-shnipelson-QDXjygmpyPk-unsplash-2048x1370.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/img>\n\t\t\t\t<p>This blog post examines the demographic challenges in Belarus where President Alexander Lukashenko last month secured a seventh term in an election widely dismissed as neither free nor fair. It explores the government&#8217;s emphasis on increasing birth rates, the country\u2019s declining fertility trends and the implications of these policies for women\u2019s autonomy, all within the context of Belarus&#8217; birth rate trends.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-popmat-post-teaser\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/news\/2025\/02\/usaid-funding-freeze-impact-trump-cuts-international-aid\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3>USAID Funding Freeze Impact: Trump Cuts International Aid<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"461\" src=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/USAID-Wiki-Common-2-768x461.png\" class=\"wp-image-15522\" srcset=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/USAID-Wiki-Common-2-768x461.png 768w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/USAID-Wiki-Common-2-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/USAID-Wiki-Common-2-1024x615.png 1024w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/USAID-Wiki-Common-2-1536x922.png 1536w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/USAID-Wiki-Common-2.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/img>\n\t\t\t\t<p>The Trump Administration signed an executive order, triggering a USAid funding freeze that has disrupted global humanitarian aid efforts, with the majority of staff put on leave and the future&#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-popmat-post-teaser\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/news\/2025\/01\/viktor-orbans-hungary-the-erosion-of-reproductive-rights\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3>Viktor Orb\u00e1n&#8217;s Hungary: The Erosion of Reproductive Rights<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"411\" src=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/adam-papp-HZHKQ7bt8aY-unsplash-768x411.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-15414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/adam-papp-HZHKQ7bt8aY-unsplash-768x411.jpg 768w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/adam-papp-HZHKQ7bt8aY-unsplash-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/adam-papp-HZHKQ7bt8aY-unsplash-1024x548.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/adam-papp-HZHKQ7bt8aY-unsplash-1536x822.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/populationmatters.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/adam-papp-HZHKQ7bt8aY-unsplash-2048x1096.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/img>\n\t\t\t\t<p>As part of our ongoing series connected to our Welcome to Gilead campaign, we explore Hungary\u2019s population policies and the government&#8217;s push to increase native births amid growing concerns about&#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Across Europe, access to contraception and reproductive rights varies dramatically. While some countries lead with progressive policies, others impose severe restrictions. Advocacy remains the driving force for change. This blog explores the disparities, the challenges and some of the activists fighting for reproductive freedom.","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":15706,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[15,17,45],"class_list":["post-15803","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-europe_population","tag-family_planning","tag-womens-rights"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Reproductive Rights in Europe: The Power of Advocacy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore reproductive rights in Europe\u2014disparities, policies, and the advocacy driving change across the continent.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" 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