Sarah Richardson
WVoN co-editor

Today, 28 May, is International Day of Action for Women’s Health. An occasion to remind decision-makers that women’s health is a fundamental right and that it must be protected.

This year however, there are fears that moves by the Hungarian government threatening rights to abortion will overshadow the celebration of the efforts of women’s organisations campaigning to promote women’s health and gender equality.

These include the European Women’s Lobby (EWL) and the International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network (IPPF EN).

The new Hungarian constitution, set to come into effect from 1 January 2012 includes the following statement on abortion: “Everyone has the right to life and human dignity, the life of the foetus is protected from conception.”

Many are fearful that legal access to abortion in Hungary will become limited. The legality of other fertility and contraceptive measures may also be called into question.

The Hungarian government is set to run a two month anti-abortion campaign which will show a picture of a foetus along with the caption: “I understand it if you aren’t ready for me, but rather put me up for adoption, let me live!”

For European women’s organisations this is seen as blatant back-peddling on women’s basic rights.

All European Union member states are signatories to the Cairo Programme of Action, adopted at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development.

This states that reproductive rights recognise the autonomy of couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly as to the timing and the number of their children. This includes access to health care, legal and safe abortion, and reliable, safe and affordable contraception.

The Hungarian government appear to be at odds with this message.

Elizabeth Bennour IPPF EFN Director of Programme and Advocacy comments: “Over recent years, we have witnessed a hardening of opposition to the fundamental right of women to decide over what happens to their own body.

“The response to these attacks must come from all those who believe that women have an inalienable right to their own bodies, in a society that is equal, democratic and secular.”

Critics of the Hungarian initiatives believe that policies restriciting access to abortion, sex education and contraception have a major impact on women’s health and can lead to unwanted teenage pregnancies and maternal deaths.

The EWL and IPPF EN are calling on the Hungarian Government to ensure the new constitution will not impact on the fundamental rights of women’s reproductive health.

Cécile Gréboval, EWL Secretary General said that: “On the occasion of the International Day of Action for Women’s Health, we hope many national and European voices will echo this call and ensure European and international commitments for the protection and promotion of women’s basic rights are fully respected.”