The Right To Decide

Episode 6: Beyond the Chaos

In the final episode of The Right to Decide, host Sophie in ’t Veld speaks once again with Neil Datta, Executive Director of the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, to look at the global picture for reproductive freedom. With the return of the Trump administration, the world is witnessing renewed attacks on gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights. But this episode also looks forward. Together, we explore how Europe can step up as a global leader: by defending progressive policies, investing in education and healthcare, and building international coalitions that protect the right to decide for everyone. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 5: Youth and Contraception

In the fifth episode of The Right to Decide, host Sophie in ’t Veld speaks with Nicole Moran, Gender and SRHR Advisor, about a worrying trend spreading across Europe: the decline in contraceptive use among young people. Together, they explore how stigma, fake news, and a growing mistrust in healthcare providers are shaping young people’s attitudes toward contraception. From misinformation spreading online to the absence of proper sex education in schools, we uncover why investing in education is essential to restore trust and protect young people’s right to choose. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 4: Influencing Politics, Shaping Culture

In the fourth episode of The Right to Decide, our host Sophie in ’t Veld speaks with Belgian Senator Celia Groothedde to explore how anti-rights actors are using money and media to influence politics, public opinion, and access to healthcare. From anti-choice clinics spreading disinformation to campaigns targeting schools and sex education, we uncover how a well-funded network is reshaping Europe’s cultural and political landscape…one narrative at a time. A podcast by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive Rights [https://www.epfweb.org/] Produced by Europod [https://www.europod.eu/], in collaboration with Ambiorix Centre [https://ambiorixcenter.eu/] Follow us on LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/european-parliamentary-forum-on-population-and-development/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/epf_srr/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI2PsoMzKdOH9qvfhE-IFMw/featured] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 3: Follow the Money

Who’s funding the rollback of women’s rights in Europe? In the third episode of The Right to Decide, host Sophie in ’t Veld speaks with Lucia Yar, Member of the European Parliament from Slovakia, to uncover how money fuels the anti-gender movement. From religious donors and oligarchs to EU funds being redirected toward conservative networks, we reveal how a well-organised financial strategy is reshaping Europe’s political and cultural landscape.   Sources: * “The Next Wave: How Religious Extremism Is Regaining Power”, [https://www.epfweb.org/node/1147] Neil Datta, EPF (2025) * “MEPs demand answers over EU funding of anti-abortion charity” [https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/eu-anti-abortion-funding-questions-world-youth-alliance-erasmus/], Sian Norris, Open Democracy (2024) * “EU gives anti-abortion group €400k to educate girls on reproductive health”, [https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/anti-abortion-ngo-eu-funding-reproductive-health-programme/] Sian Norris, Open Democracy (2024) A podcast by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive Rights [https://www.epfweb.org/] Produced by Europod [https://www.europod.eu/], in collaboration with Ambiorix Center [https://ambiorixcenter.eu/] Follow us on LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/european-parliamentary-forum-on-population-and-development/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/epf_srr/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI2PsoMzKdOH9qvfhE-IFMw/featured] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 2: Women’s rights under threat

Who is threatening women’s rights and why? In the second episode of The Right to Decide, we uncover the forces driving the anti-gender movement with our host Sophie in ’t Veld and our guest Neil Datta, Executive Director of the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights. From fake hotlines that discourage abortion to crisis pregnancy centres spreading disinformation, we reveal how a well-organised network of religious and political actors is working to roll back decades of democratic progress. A podcast by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual & Reproductive Rights [https://www.epfweb.org/] Produced by Europod [https://www.europod.eu/], in collaboration with Ambiorix Center [https://ambiorixcenter.eu/] Follow us on LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/company/european-parliamentary-forum-on-population-and-development/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/epf_srr/] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI2PsoMzKdOH9qvfhE-IFMw/featured] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.