Introduction

Katrine Thomasen has dedicated more than 20 years to human rights advocacy. For the past decade, she has brought her expertise to the Center for Reproductive Rights, where she is the Associate Director for Europe.

“Reproductive rights resonated with me on many levels,” she says. “I am interested in how human rights law is being shaped to address fundamental aspects of the human experience, and the profound impact law and policy has on personal autonomy, health and well-being.” 

Over the years, Katrine has been involved in many different areas of the Center’s work in Europe, from supporting litigation and advocacy that helped reform Ireland’s abortion ban, to documenting the discrimination faced by undocumented migrants in accessing healthcare, to long-term collaborative advocacy for change in Poland. Today, her role focuses on influencing European Union law and policy on sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Strengthening EU law

Strengthening EU law

“When the EU adopts legislation or policy measures, it can have a profound impact on more than 450 million people,” she explains. “The work we are doing with EU institutions has the potential to transform how reproductive rights are understood and recognised across Europe.”

This means identifying where EU institutions have the power to act and working closely with policymakers and civil society partners to ensure reproductive rights are part of the agenda. Katrine and her team engage directly with the European Commission, members of the European Parliament, and member states, providing information, analysis and support to help advance stronger protections. Close collaboration and coordination with a wide range of civil society partners is a critical part of these advocacy efforts.Progress on SRHR has been tangible. In 2020, the EU adopted its first ever Gender Equality Strategy, committing to support reproductive rights, improve health services, and combat sexual and gender-based violence. The next year it passed a groundbreaking resolution affirming reproductive rights as human rights and calling on all member states to remove barriers to access.

This March, the European Commission released a Roadmap for Women’s Rights, reaffirming its commitment to improving sexual and reproductive rights across the continent.

“I have seen so many inspiring examples of progress on SRHR at the EU level over the past five years alone,” says Katrine. “The EU must now continue its efforts towards even stronger and more ambitious action.”

Setbacks & determination

Setbacks and determination

While there are still strong opposing forces in Europe, Katrine is optimistic. “I believe that our future will be brighter even when in the current context we may face challenges and setbacks. I see these setbacks as dips on a trajectory towards greater equality, justice and rights protection.”

She draws energy from others across the region: “I’m inspired and awed by those working in difficult national contexts across Europe who pursue this work with tremendous courage and humility.”

Looking ahead

Looking ahead

One proposal now under discussion is an amendment to the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights that would explicitly enshrine the right to bodily autonomy and access to SRHR services, including abortion. Though still in its early stages, Katrine sees it as an example of the kind of ambitious vision needed at the EU.

Reflecting on her own journey, she encourages aspiring advocates to be bold, ambitious and committed. “Change comes from vision, determination and collaboration,” she says