Forced sterilisation of persons with disabilities in the European Union
17.1.2025
Question for written answer E-000193/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Carolina Morace (The Left), Gaetano Pedulla' (The Left), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Valentina Palmisano (The Left)
Forced sterilisation is a serious violation of human rights, contrary to the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), ratified by the EU.
There are at least 14 EU Member States that still allow this practice, allowing legal guardians or other authorities to decide on the sterilisation of persons with disabilities without their free and informed consent.
This practice violates the principles of dignity, equality and individual autonomy, perpetuating discrimination against persons with disabilities and disproportionately affecting women with disabilities, in violation of the EU Gender Equality Strategy.
Some Member States have already banned this practice, providing examples of good practices that could be replicated at European level.
In light of the above:
- 1.Does the Commission intend to propose binding legislation to definitively ban forced sterilisation in the European Union?
- 2.What measures does it intend to take to monitor and prevent violations of the rights of persons with disabilities in this area?
Submitted: 17.1.2025