Over €1 Billion Fuels Anti-Abortion Movement in Europe, Threatening Women's Rights

July 1, 2025
Over €1 Billion Fuels Anti-Abortion Movement in Europe, Threatening Women's Rights
  • Funding for anti-abortion movements across Europe has exceeded one billion euros, with Portugal ranking 17th among EU countries in terms of the financial support received.

  • This financial backing is part of a larger ideological struggle over rights in Europe, reflecting a significant shift in public health policies and women's rights.

  • Between 2019 and 2023, extremist organizations have contributed over 3.3 million euros to anti-abortion associations in Portugal, targeting fundamental rights related to gender equality and LGBTQI+ rights.

  • A recent report warns that decades of progress in sexual and reproductive rights are under threat due to these financial contributions.

  • The funding is largely sourced from a newly emerging oligarchy, including tech barons and industrial elites, who view social progress as a threat.

  • The influence of extremist groups on public health policies raises concerns about the future of women's rights across Europe.

  • Funding sources include 28.8% from lobbying organizations, with 45 anti-abortion groups, 10 against LGBTQI+ rights, and 7 opposing sexual education.

  • Approximately 73% of the funding in Europe comes from European countries, while 18% is contributed by Russia and 9% by North American organizations.

  • The financial support for these movements reflects a broader ideological battle over rights in Europe.

  • This information is detailed in the report titled 'The Next Wave: How religious extremism is reclaiming power,' published by the European Parliament Forum for Sexual & Reproductive Rights.

  • Insights from journalist Patrícia Carvalho provide further context regarding these troubling funding trends.

  • This amount represents a small fraction of the 1.18 billion euros identified for similar purposes across Europe during the same period.

Summary based on 5 sources


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