The European Commission has allowed member states to use existing EU funds for safe abortions following a citizens' initiative that gathered 1.1 million signatures. While hailed as a victory for women's rights, the Commission did not create new funding for women in areas without abortion access. European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib highlighted the issue of unsafe abortions in Europe. Although abortion is legal in most EU countries, access varies significantly. Anti-abortion groups criticized the decision, claiming it contradicts Christian values.