Krzysztof Bronk and Xavier Sartre – Vatican
Money will be found for abortion
By decision of Brussels, women wishing to have an abortion will be able to do so thanks to European Union funds. Although no separate fund will be created, resources from the European Social Fund Plus can be used for this purpose.
This is a violation of treaties
The European Commission’s stance met with a strong reaction from COMECE. As Archbishop Hérouard says, this is a regrettable decision and contrary to the spirit of European treaties. These treaties oblige the Union to respect the competence of member states in defining their health policy and providing medical services.
Another attempt to circumvent the competences of member states
According to the French archbishop, however, even more fundamental issues are at stake here. Yesterday’s decision by the European Commission is another attempt to circumvent the competences of member states. “It is known that ethical issues, and abortion in particular, are subject to national law, not EU law, which means that legal provisions differ in individual countries,” added the Vice-President of COMECE.
