European Approaches to Enhancing Reproductive Freedom

This article begins by noting that the elimination of multiple obstacles to equal rights for women embodied in private economic and social relations is a significant accomplishment of human rights protection in Europe. The author notes that the process of eliminating gender discrimination is not easy since governments are obliged not to interfere with freedom but, on the other hand, are obliged to interfere to reduce inequalities between men and women. This article describes and analyzes current European approaches to human rights relating to reproduction to demonstrate the accomplishments, controversies and unresolved problems in attempting to balance freedom and equality. The article notes that existing safeguards for individual choice need to be broadened geographically, specifically to Eastern Europe. [Descriptors: Reproductive Rights - Overview, International - Europe]