Hungary has announced measures to support women's rights, including the ratification of the Istanbul Convention and the cancellation of the rule that required women to listen to the fetus's heartbeat before an abortion.
The Prime Minister of Hungary, Péter Magyar, stated his intention to change the legacy of nationalist Viktor Orbán, his predecessor in government (2010–2026).
He reported that Hungary, one of the few European Union countries that had not ratified the Council of Europe Convention, considered a key human rights document, is now planning to do so.
Viktor Orbán's government opposed the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, concluded in 2011 and entered into force in 2014, arguing that the treaty promoted 'gender ideology.'
Magyar stated in a video posted on the social network Facebook: 'We have taken a clear and responsible commitment to end the era of inaction,' noting that the initiative was put forward by 44 deputies from his Tisza party.
Although all EU member states have signed this treaty, five of them—Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Lithuania, and Slovakia—have yet to ratify it.
Furthermore, Magyar announced the cancellation of a 2022 regulation concerning 'fetal heartbeat,' which required women to monitor the baby's vital signs before an abortion. He also indicated that emergency contraceptive pills, known as 'morning-after pills,' will be available without a prescription to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the number of abortions.
Under current Hungarian law, abortion is permitted up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, a period that can be extended up to 24 weeks in cases of serious genetic anomalies or fetal developmental problems. In the country, women are required to consult with representatives of social and family services before receiving permission to terminate a pregnancy.
The Women's Rights Protection Association Patent welcomed these announcements on the social network Facebook, but added that 'we still have a long way to go, as we start from a very low level, having the worst indicators in the European Union.'
Over 54% of Hungarian women reported experiencing physical, psychological, or sexual violence from their partners—the highest rate in the European community, according to a 2024 survey by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights. Furthermore, Hungary shows the lowest reporting rate of violence: less than 16% of violence victims report to authorities or other support services, according to the study.
