Abortion in the United States: Europe Intervenes

Parliament is most often seen trailing behind Uncle Sam. But when it comes to being the champion of progressive values, vigilant Europe does not hesitate to take back its pilgrim staff, even if it turns into a lecturer against conservatives of all stripes.

Thus, on June 8, 2022, the European Parliament convened a debate on the evocative theme: “Threats against the right to abortion in the world: the possible questioning of the right to abortion in the United States by the Supreme Court.”

In the sights of the Strasbourg censors is the proposal examined by the highest court in the United States, aimed at challenging current case law on the voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion) throughout the country, and which has since taken shape after the publication of the Dobbs decision by the Supreme Court of the United States.

The framework for the European resolution was drafted by MP Predrag Fred Matic – author of the disastrous eponymous report – as well as around thirty parliamentarians.

Their goal: to support the policy of the Biden administration – currently in a delicate position in American opinion – by inviting the European Union (EU) and its Member States to “inscribe the right to abortion in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union” (paragraph 24).

The parliamentary text does not hesitate to declare that it is “deeply concerned about the potential consequences for the rights of women throughout the world, if the Supreme Court of the United States overturns Roe v. Wade” (paragraph 16).

Unsurprisingly, the resolution was adopted on June 9 by 364 votes for, 154 votes against, and 37 abstentions. MEPs from Renew (centrists), S&D (left) and The Left (extreme left) voted in favor of the text, while the EPP group (right) remained divided on the issue.

MEPs belonging to more conservative formations (ECR and ID) voted against, protesting against the interference of the European institutions: “What is happening here is a huge irregularity,” declared Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, at the ECR name.

And to add to the address of the progressive deputies: “What do you claim to do? To be above American jurisdiction? To unlawfully interfere in a democratic legal system? It is shameful and discrediting for the institution you represent.”

But it is not certain that the European resolution will have the best effect: a few months before the crucial mid-term elections, which Joe Biden does not seem to be winning at the moment, the interference of the deputies at Strasbourg might not be to the liking of American opinion sensitive about the matter.