Recognition of SRHR challenges must translate into concrete, adequately funded EU action to ensure meaningful progress.

BRUSSELS, 5.3.2026—The Center for Reproductive Rights today welcomed the European Commission’s new Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 and its recognition of persistent challenges to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across the European Union, while stressing that further concrete action will be needed to address these challenges.

The Strategy acknowledges gender inequalities in healthcare, barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare, and the inadequate attention given to women’s health needs. It proposes new initiatives to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare, including access to contraception. While these initiatives represent an important first step, they must be translated into clear, measurable and adequately resourced action to address persistent gaps and inequalities in access across Member States.

The Commission has reiterated its commitment to implement its response to the My Voice, My Choice European Citizens’ Initiative, which must now be taken forward as a priority. Delivering on the Strategy’s commitment to continue supporting civil society organisations working to promote gender equality will also require adequate funding in the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The Center welcomes the launch of the new SHIELD initiative, aimed at improving access to SRHR services in humanitarian settings, stressing that it must be implemented in line with international human rights standards.

“The Strategy rightly acknowledges the barriers women face in accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare, and introduces important initiatives to strengthen research and understanding of these gaps,” said Katrine Thomasen, Associate Director for Europe at the Center for Reproductive Rights. “However, the Commission must now translate these initial steps into concrete policy action to improve access to essential sexual and reproductive healthcare across the EU.”

Sexual and reproductive health and rights are central to gender equality, human dignity and democracy. The credibility of the EU’s gender equality agenda will ultimately depend on how concrete progress is made in access to contraception, safe and legal abortion, quality obstetric and gynaecological care and comprehensive sexuality education, as well as effective responses to threats of SRHR regression.

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