Faith
EU Urged to End Forced Abortions for Disabled
Faith Facts
- UN experts report ongoing forced abortions and sterilisation of women with disabilities in EU nations.
- Christian leaders, including Lord David Alton, call for Europe to uphold human dignity and protect the vulnerable.
- The EU plans to adopt a women’s rights roadmap, though critics demand immediate action and enforcement.
Recent findings from a United Nations committee reveal that women with disabilities still suffer from coerced abortions and sterilisation in parts of Europe. Christian advocates stress the moral imperative for nations to defend every individual’s God-given value, especially the most vulnerable.
UN Committee leader Markus Schefer stated,
“Forced sterilisation and forced abortions were still being perpetrated on women with disabilities in European Union Member States.”
He noted the lack of criminalization and policy response addressing these abuses. The EU responded with plans for a women’s rights roadmap to combat such harmful practices.
Lord David Alton, a committed Christian voice for human rights, described these actions as “an appalling crime and a stain upon those EU Member States that fail to criminalise or otherwise suppress such actions.”
He urged nations to recognize their special responsibility to protect people with disabilities and cited a 2019 UK case where a learning-disabled woman faced a forced abortion before the ruling was overturned.
Alton further emphasized,
“We must take action to address the shortage of protective measures against forced abortions and forced sterilisations.”
He encouraged the EU to fully enforce its existing agreements, supporting women to continue pregnancies without coercion.
Catherine Robinson of Right To Life UK called forced abortion and sterilisation “a grave injustice” that has no place in any nation. She challenged leaders across Europe to act decisively, ensuring robust laws shield vulnerable women, guided by Biblical principles of life and justice.
Christians are called to speak out for the voiceless and defend the sanctity of every life. Now is the moment for Europe to reaffirm its commitment to truth, compassion, and the dignity all people possess as God’s creation. Stand firm in prayer and advocacy—our values matter more than ever.