Exporting Abortion investigates unequal access to abortion across Europe. More than a dozen journalists from across the continent contributed to the project, coordinated by Sergio Sangiao, Emilia G. Morales and Nacho Calle of the Spanish newspaper Público. The investigation revealed, for the first time, how many women in Europe are forced to travel abroad each year to obtain an abortion: at least 5,860 women in 2023 alone, and more than 25,000 since 2019.
The project is built on rigorous data journalism. The team submitted more than 100 Freedom of Information requests, examined the laws, regulations and protocols governing abortion in various European countries, and gathered and standardised official state statistics to map the main routes women take between countries, despite a lack of transparency and the withholding of data in many European countries. Alongside the figures, Exporting Abortion also brings to light the personal stories of dozens of women who had to travel abroad for an abortion, as well as the insights of numerous experts.
This year's Semmelweis–Richter Journalism Award attracted around 60 entries from nearly 20 countries, submitted by journalists from outlets including The Guardian, the Financial Times, The Times, BBC News, Süddeutsche Zeitung and Público. An international jury, including Dr Béla Merkely (Rector of Semmelweis University), Gábor Orbán (CEO of Gedeon Richter) and journalist Tom Whipple (The Times), evaluated the entries. Winners will be honoured at a ceremony in Budapest on 26 November 2026.
Journalismfund Europe congratulates the entire Exporting Abortion team on this recognition of their thorough, cross-border investigative journalism.
Read more on the website of Semmelweis University: semmelweis.hu and semmelweisrichteraward.com
