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In this interview, Neil Datta, Executive Director of the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF), reflects on the evolving landscape of contestation around sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Europe. He traces EPF’s origins to the 1994 UN Cairo Conference and its initial mandate to provide parliamentary follow-up to global commitments. Over time, what began as isolated religious conservative opposition has transformed into a well-structured, systemic challenge to liberal democracy, driven by new, younger elites with strategic political ambitions. Datta explains how this anti-gender movement evolved in three waves: first, with the emergence of a new generation of professionalised advocates; second, through its infiltration into political parties, particularly on the far right; and third, via the development of political think tanks that produce both ideological content and new elites. These actors, often interconnected with transatlantic networks, have significantly expanded their influence across Europe. The interview reveals how debates over SRHR have become central to broader ideological battles over the future of liberal democracy, highlighting the need for renewed vigilance, cross-sectoral alliances, and stronger institutional responses. The EPF’s mission, reinforced by partnerships with civil society and organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO), remains to support evidence-based policymaking in this contested arena.

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‘The Biggest Challenge Is That I Do Not Think People Are Aware of What Is Happening’. Interview with Neil Datta

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Ramona Coman,
  • Andrew Bradley

摘要

In this interview, Neil Datta, Executive Director of the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF), reflects on the evolving landscape of contestation around sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Europe. He traces EPF’s origins to the 1994 UN Cairo Conference and its initial mandate to provide parliamentary follow-up to global commitments. Over time, what began as isolated religious conservative opposition has transformed into a well-structured, systemic challenge to liberal democracy, driven by new, younger elites with strategic political ambitions. Datta explains how this anti-gender movement evolved in three waves: first, with the emergence of a new generation of professionalised advocates; second, through its infiltration into political parties, particularly on the far right; and third, via the development of political think tanks that produce both ideological content and new elites. These actors, often interconnected with transatlantic networks, have significantly expanded their influence across Europe. The interview reveals how debates over SRHR have become central to broader ideological battles over the future of liberal democracy, highlighting the need for renewed vigilance, cross-sectoral alliances, and stronger institutional responses. The EPF’s mission, reinforced by partnerships with civil society and organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO), remains to support evidence-based policymaking in this contested arena.