Fact Sheet: Access to Contraceptives in the European Union

States are obligated under international law to provide women access to a full range of contraceptives and contraceptive information. Most countries in the European Union include affordable contraceptives and contraceptive information in their public health and social policies. Yet, in some Member States access remains an issue. For example, in some countries contraceptives are not covered under public health insurance. Lack of access to contraceptives and sexual and reproductive health information is a violation of the human rights of women.

This factsheet is intended to serve as a resource for those interested in understanding the human rights laws and policies, barriers, and good practices relating to contraceptive access in the European Union.