The New Health Plan for European Women
Europe is now creating its first plan for women’s health. This plan tackles a surprising fact. Women often live longer than men, but they spend more years in poor health.
Why Europe Needs This Plan
Experts point to clear gaps in care. Prevention, diagnosis, and research often overlook women’s specific needs. The plan therefore promotes a “life-course” approach. It also focuses on social factors that affect health.
Sexual and reproductive care forms a central pillar. The plan demands better access to essential services. These services include contraception and maternity care. It strongly supports respectful, evidence-based healthcare models across Europe.
Midwives Take a Central Role
Importantly, the new plan recognizes midwives as essential. Midwives provide care from adolescence through later life. They are crucial for pregnancy, birth, and postnatal health. In addition, they promote prevention and health education.
This builds on their role in the EU gender equality strategy. The plan now calls for immediate action. It urges all EU countries to strengthen access to midwifery services.
The Next Critical Step
Consequently, experts are pushing for an update to EU midwifery rules. These rules must align with global education standards. However, this update is not yet on the official 2026 agenda. Advocates are now fighting for its place in 2027.
This change will help midwives make their full impact. It prioritizes the continuous care that women want. Ultimately, stable health systems across Europe will benefit.
