A group of 18 MEPs from the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, led by Paolo Inselvini, has formally questioned the European Commission over its interpretation that European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) resources may be used to finance abortion services. In a written parliamentary question dated 18 June 2026, the MEPs argue that abortion does not meet the legal definition of healthcare under EU law and call on the Commission to clarify its position.
The question challenges the Commission's reply to an earlier written question (E-000928/2026), in which the Commission stated that Member States may allocate ESF+ funds to abortion-related services under the fund's objective of improving access to healthcare. The MEPs contend that this interpretation contradicts Article 3(a) of Directive 2011/24/EU, which defines healthcare as services provided 'to assess, maintain or restore their state of health'. They argue that abortion, which ends a prenatal human life, cannot be equated with such a definition.
first, whether the Commission considers a pregnant woman without pathological conditions to be in a situation requiring health assessment, maintenance, or restoration; second, how the Commission reconciles its view of abortion as healthcare with the directive's definition; and third, whether the Commission intends to amend its communication C(2026)3225 of 26 February 2026, which responded to the European Citizens' Initiative 'My Voice, My Choice'.
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. The answer will signal whether the Commission maintains its current interpretation or adjusts its stance in light of the legal challenge raised by the MEPs. The outcome could affect the scope of ESF+ spending on reproductive health services across Member States, with potential implications for national health policies and EU budget allocations.