Who Gets to Decide for Us? – A Campaign for Women's Reproductive Rights

The project aims to highlight and address barriers that restrict women’s reproductive autonomy and access to healthcare. In Hungary, emergency contraceptive pills are available only on prescription, and refusals experienced at some pharmacies make it more difficult to obtain and use them in time. Access to abortion is restricted by several factors, including two mandatory consultations with family protection services, which are often judgemental and manipulative, a compulsory waiting period, difficulties booking appointments, and the requirement to listen to the foetal heartbeat. These obstacles can result in women running out of time to access the procedure. Further barriers include the fee for an abortion, which exceeds HUF 55,000, the lack of modern medical cervical preparation using medication, the absence of comprehensive sex education, and the prevalence of misconceptions. The situation is further compounded by the previous exclusion of women’s rights civil society organisations from the legislative process.

The PATENT Association’s project aims to promote women’s reproductive autonomy and access to healthcare through a range of campaign activities. As part of the project, the organisation will continue its petition calling for the removal of the prescription requirement for emergency contraceptive pills, with the aim of collecting 100,000 signatures. On 28 September, International Safe Abortion Day, a nationwide poster campaign and street actions will be organised in Budapest and several other major Hungarian cities, while also promoting a reproductive rights information service launching on the same day. In addition, short educational videos will be produced with the involvement of a gynaecologist to dispel misconceptions and provide reliable information. Finally, as part of a women’s rights coalition, the organisation will develop policy proposals and review draft legislation to ensure that women’s experiences are also represented in decision-making processes.

The project’s outcomes are particularly significant for women of reproductive age and the wider public, as well as for policy-makers, healthcare professionals and journalists. The initiative will substantially increase the public visibility of and awareness of reproductive rights. Through the new information service and expert videos, women directly affected and the general public will have easier access to reliable, scientifically based information. The petition, which aims to collect 100,000 signatures, will provide clear evidence of public support, thereby meaningfully strengthening civic participation. Finally, the policy proposals developed as a direct outcome of the project will be submitted to the Ministry of Health, helping to promote evidence-based decision-making and ensure that women’s experiences are taken into account in the legislative process.