On 10 December 2013 the European Parliament adopted a resolution on “Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights”. This text is the alternative resolution that substitutes the proposal of the portugese MEPEdite EStrela. The resolution was adopted by 334 votes in favour, 327 against and 35 absentions.
In the resolution the European Parliament defines the exclusive competence of the Member States in this area, as was also underlined in the press release of the European Parliament following the vote: “MEPs say sexual and reproductive health and rights are matter for member states”.
The text of the resolution reads as follows:
“European Parliament resolution on sexual and reproductive health and rights
The European Parliament,
– having regard to Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union concerning public health and in particular paragraph 7 thereof, which states that ‘Union action shall respect the responsibilities of the Member States for the definition of their health policy and for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care’,
– having regard to the Programme of Action of the 1994 Cairo International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and to the Programme of Action of the 1995 Beijing World Conference on Women,
A. whereas the Cairo ICPD Programme of Action gives a definition of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR);
1. Notes that the formulation and implementation of policies on SRHR and on sexual education in schools is a competence of the Member States;
2. Notes that, even though it is a competence of the Member States to formulate and implement policies on health and on education, the EU can contribute to the promotion of best practices among Member States;
3. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and national parliaments of the Member States, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights and the UN Secretary-General.”
