In a monumental move, Polish lawmakers have voted to advance bills aimed at lifting the near-total ban on abortion in the traditionally Roman Catholic country. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, fulfilling a campaign promise, is pushing for the liberalization of abortion laws, a move that has sparked a polarizing debate.
Members of the Sejm voted to advance four separate abortion bills, including one that would guarantee access to abortion through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Tusk’s proposed abortion reform was a key element of his electoral success in October 2023, following the mass protests triggered by the decision to outlaw almost all abortions in 2020.
Despite Tusk’s efforts, he may face rebellion within his own coalition and resistance from the opposition in pushing for abortion reform. One coalition partner, Polska 2050, is calling for any legislative changes on abortion to be put to a referendum. Additionally, President Andrzej Duda, a conservative Catholic ally, is unlikely to sign the reforms into law.
A recent opinion poll revealed that 35 percent of Poles are in favor of allowing abortion until the 12th week of pregnancy. The ongoing debate on liberalizing abortion laws centers around the perceived injustice of the current ban and the necessity for safer, regulated access to abortion.
As the country navigates this contentious issue, the political landscape remains fraught with challenges and obstacles. The future of abortion laws in Poland hangs in the balance as the debate rages on, reflecting the complex intersection of politics, religion, and societal attitudes towards women’s reproductive rights.
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