Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk faced a major setback in parliament as a bill to ease strict anti-abortion laws was rejected by a slim majority. Tusk and his liberal Civic Coalition caucus supported the bill, which would have decriminalised performing or assisting an abortion. However, lawmakers from the wider ruling coalition, including the Polish People’s Party, voted against the change, highlighting divisions within the government. Despite the defeat, left wing lawmakers have vowed to resubmit the bill until it is adopted, but President Andrzej Duda has already stated he will not sign the liberalisation.
The rejection of the bill means that individuals found guilty of aiding an abortion in Poland will continue to face up to three years in prison. This decision comes amidst ongoing protests against the strict abortion laws in the traditionally Catholic nation, which have been criticized by Human Rights Watch for putting women and girls at risk. A recent court judgement further tightened restrictions by removing the requirement for abortion to include foetus damage, leading to outrage among pro-choice advocates across the country.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who took office in December, had promised to legalise abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy. However, conservatives within the ruling coalition have repeatedly delayed the debate on this issue. The rejection of the bill is seen as a blow to Tusk’s programme of reversing policies of the previous right-wing government. In 2022, Polish activist Justyna Wydrzyńska was sentenced to community service for providing abortion pills to a woman, sparking criticism from Amnesty International and other human rights organizations.
The defeat of the bill in parliament reflects the ongoing debate and division within Polish society over abortion rights. While left wing lawmakers continue to push for liberalisation, conservative forces, including President Andrzej Duda, remain opposed to any changes to the existing laws. The rejection of the bill also highlights the challenges faced by Prime Minister Donald Tusk in implementing his agenda, as he seeks to balance the demands of various coalition partners and navigate the complex political landscape in Poland.
The decision to maintain strict anti-abortion laws in Poland raises concerns about the impact on women’s health and rights in the country. Critics argue that the current laws place undue burden on women and restrict their access to safe and legal abortion services. The rejection of the bill is likely to fuel further protests and calls for reform from pro-choice advocates and human rights organizations, who are pushing for greater reproductive rights and healthcare access for women and girls in Poland.
Despite the setback in parliament, the fight for abortion rights in Poland is far from over. Left wing lawmakers have pledged to continue pushing for liberalisation of the laws, while activists and human rights groups are mobilizing to support their cause. The rejection of the bill may serve as a rallying cry for those advocating for women’s rights and reproductive justice in Poland, as they seek to challenge the existing laws and ensure that women have access to safe and legal abortion services in the country.
