Europe’s Reproductive Rights Gap: Access to Contraception Still Unequal

Throughout Europe, the availability of contraception and reproductive rights is markedly inconsistent. Countries such as France, Luxembourg, and Portugal are at the forefront with robust policies and public health strategies. In contrast, others, especially in Eastern Europe, persist in enforcing restrictions that hinder access or render it entirely unfeasible. What propels advancement forward? Engagement and support for causes.

The Guttmacher Institute reports that 36% of pregnancies in Europe are unintended, a statistic that has shown a consistent decline over the last thirty years. This advancement is primarily due to enhanced access to contemporary contraceptives and more effective sexual and reproductive health education. However, progress is not uniformly shared, and advocacy is essential in closing the divides.

The Contraception Policy Atlas Europe, released each year by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive Rights (EPF), evaluates 47 European nations according to their access to contraception, counseling services, and public information.

In 2025, France and Luxembourg lead the rankings with a score of 93.2%, providing free consultations, extensive public funding, and substantial, accessible online information. The UK (91.6%) and Portugal (91.2%) demonstrate impressive performance, with Portugal notably improving from a score of 82.7% just one year prior.

However, obstacles remain even among the highest achievers. We had a conversation with Dr. Teresa Bombas, President of the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health and a practicing gynecologist in Coimbra, Portugal. She has dedicated years to advising policymakers and enhancing access.

“Portugal has commendable laws,” she stated, “yet the government fails to facilitate access.” The revised details on government websites mark a beginning, yet rural women continue encountering significant obstacles in asserting their rights.

As the West progresses, the circumstances in Eastern Europe continue to be severe. Poland, for example, ranks at the bottom of the Atlas standings with a score of 33.2% — partly because of limited contraception coverage for adults and the lack of official information platforms.

In 2024, Polish MEP Robert Biedron pledged to provide over-the-counter access to emergency contraception. One year later, the legislation remains unpassed.

Dr. Bombas warned, “Political commitments are meaningless without actual implementation.” It is evident how quickly these commitments can falter when execution is not given the necessary attention.

She highlighted systemic barriers such as misinformation, social stigma, and bureaucratic red tape as persistent threats to reproductive autonomy.

Dedicated advocates are at the core of every advancement in reproductive rights throughout Europe, ranging from grassroots women’s rights organizations to global networks. Their efforts compel governments to take action, confront outdated policies, and empower individuals to recognize their rights.

“It is essential to enhance public understanding,” Dr. Bombas stated. “Information that is clear and accessible should originate from reliable sources. Laws hold little significance without that.

As Europe grapples with its reproductive health divide, it becomes evident that progress requires active engagement — it demands voices ready to advocate, even in the face of adversity.

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