Swedish GUE/NGL MEP, Malin Björk, from GUE/NGL, will debate with other MEPs from multiple political groups on women's access to modern contraceptives in the EU this afternoon.

The event follows the release of a barometer report by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) earlier this year, that revealed that access to modern contraceptive choice has stagnated, or worsened, in recent years in the European Union. The report, backed by MEP Björk, highlights a worrying trend that EU countries are yet again failing in their commitments to improve equitable access to modern contraceptive needs.

MEP Björk outlined her position: “Access to safe and modern contraception for women and girls is fundamental for deciding over one’s body and sexuality. Together with access to all sexual and reproductive health services and sexuality education, it is the very basis of sexual and reproductive health rights and gender equality.” “In Europe today it seems to me that one of the big challenges is the issue of financing. To ensure that all women have access to contraception without discrimination, we need to ensure increased public financing and prioritising of sexual and reproductive health rights more generally.”

The debate is organised by ALL OF US, a coalition of MEPs from multiple political groups in the European Parliament who work together on issues related to sexual and reproductive health rights in Europe and around the world. The debate will take place today, Tuesday September 22, 2015, from 14.00 to 17.00 at the European Parliament, PHP Building, Room 7C050, Brussels.

GUE/NGL Press Contact: Nikki Sullings +32 22 83 27 60 / +32 483 03 55 75