Nicole Sinclaire (NI). - Madam President, since the Estrela report was voted on in the European Parliament, I have received more correspondence from constituents on this report than almost any other. It is of course a vital policy area that affects us all as individuals and as a society. It is also an area in which certain groups may be particularly vulnerable. This includes those in developing nations, the economically-disadvantaged and the poorly-informed or educated, and those women who live in societies in which women are treated unequally or even regarded simply as property.

Through my work on the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights, I have witnessed such situations at first hand. There are important debates to be had: access to contraception, sexual health, education and healthcare, and abortion are just some of the issues. It will also come as a surprise to learn that in several countries in the EU the age of consent is as low as fourteen.

These debates must include all actors in society – not just politicians, but also healthcare professionals, teachers, parents and, given the moral implications, the Church. The Church should not be made an enemy. The Estrela report, however, appears to be dominated by a political agenda and in my opinion is unacceptable. That is why I could not support it, as I believe this to be a national competence.