European Commission allows social funds to be used to finance abortions
The European Commission announced the possibility of using EU social funds to finance access to abortions.
On February 26, 2026, the European Commission authorized the use of EU social funds to finance abortion access, reports the European Conservative.
The document states that member states can direct European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) resources to programs ensuring "safe and legal abortion." At the same time, no new laws or separate funds will be created – it is proposed to use existing financial instruments.
The European Commission emphasized that the decision will be voluntary and does not override national competencies in healthcare. However, abortions are effectively being included in EU equality and social support programs.
The European Social Fund+ is one of the EU's largest budget instruments – its volume amounts to 142.7 billion euros. The decision has already sparked discussions, as earlier initiatives to limit abortion funding did not receive support in Brussels.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the European Parliament approved the creation of an EU fund for financing abortions.
