Today, history happened before our eyes. After heated debate, members of the Polish lower chamber of parliament decided that a committee will begin work on projects that have a chance to change the anti-abortion law in Poland. Before the Sejm debate, we met with Trzecia Droga MPs to convince them to vote in favor of READ MORE
Author: FEDERA
FEDERA AND SRHR OVERVIEW – JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024
Premiere of the Contraception Policy Atlas 2024The European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF) has presented the latest edition of the Contraception Policy Atlas, a pan-European ranking of countries in terms of access to contraception. This year, the expert panel of the Atlas included Federa’s national advocacy coordinator, Antonina Lewandowska. Poland once again READ MORE
FEDERA AND SRHR OVERVIEW – NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2023
IMPORTANT NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS On 13 December 2023, a new government, formed by the parties of the recent democratic opposition, was sworn in. FEDERA is open to cooperating with the new Ministry of Health, Education, Equality and others. Two bills on abortion have been tabled in parliament. The first legalizes abortion on request up to the READ MORE
FEDERA AND SRHR OVERVIEW – AUGUST-OCTOBER 2023
Important national developments On 15 October 2023, parliamentary elections were held in Poland. As a result, a coalition of opposition parties is likely to take power in Poland. The new democratic majority most likely raises hopes for improvements in fields of reproductive rights, minority rights and the rule of law in Poland. The new political READ MORE
EUROPEAN UNION ADDRESSING THE URGENT NEEDS OF REFUGEES FROM UKRAINE WHO SEEK SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE SUPPORT
Members of the European Parliament express serious concern about the situation of refugee women from Ukraine and call for concrete efforts by the EU Institutions to ensure fulfilment of obligations under the Temporary Protection Directive. 17 October 2023 (PRESS RELEASE) – Today, the European Parliament held a plenary debate on the situation of refugee women READ MORE
FEDERA’S COMMENT ON THE POLISH PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION EXIT POLL RESULTS
In Poland, 15th October 2023 will be remembered as a day on which history was made. An astonishing 74% turnout, with record-high women’s participation (over 73% according to exit polls), makes this year’s parliamentary elections the biggest in terms of the number of voters in modern Polish history. The turnout exceeds even the first partially READ MORE
FEDERA’S STATEMENT AT THE 54TH SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Human Rights Council 54th session of the Human Rights Council September 2023 Item 3: General Debate Thank you, President. I make this statement on behalf of the Federation for Women and Family Planning from Poland. With the upcoming parliamentary elections in Poland we reiterate the imperative of decriminalisation and legalisation of access to abortion in READ MORE
REQUEST FOR SIGN-ON: HRC54 JOINT CIVIL SOCIETY STATEMENT ON ABORTION
In support of the upcoming International Safe Abortion Day on 28 September, the Sexual Rights Initiative, the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Association for Women’s Rights in Development, CHOICE for Youth and Sexuality, the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Ipas, the International Service for Human Rights, Youth Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, the Asian-Pacific Resource READ MORE
POSITION REGARDING THE DRAFT LAW ON IVF REIMBURSEMENT OR FUNDING
The position of the Foundation for Women and Family Planning FEDERA regarding the draft Act amending the Act on health care services financed from public funds (the so-calledAct on IVF reimbursement or funding). In the course of public consultations conducted by the Senate of the Republic of Poland concerning a bill amending the Act on READ MORE
SRHR AND FEDERA OVERVIEW – JUNE-JULY 2023
SRHR-RELATED NEWS IN POLAND Case of Dorota from Nowy Targ At the end of May, a woman named Dorota died in the hospital as a result of refusal of live saving abortion care. She was admitted to a hospital in the town of Nowy Targ on 21 May when her waters broke in the fifth READ MORE
OLA AND THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO HER MISCARRIAGE
On 26 July 2023 Wysokie Obcasy published an article on Ola, another victim of anti-abortion obsession and institutional violence against women in need of reproductive care in Poland. Ola’s case goes back to 2022. Before giving birth to her son in 2019, Ola’s attempts to get pregnant were marked by miscarriages due to her gynecological READ MORE
POLICE INTERVENTION IN THE CASE OF JOANNA WHO TOOK ABORTION PILLS
This case constitutes yet another episode of Poland’s anti-abortion obsession as innocent women fell victim to the criminalisation of abortion in Poland. The story was made public by Fakty TVN on 18th July 2023. In April of this year Joanna took an abortion pill. She was not feeling well so she called her psychiatrist and READ MORE
“CARE IN CRISIS” REPORT PRESENTED IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
Polish foundations FEDERA and Feminoteka, along with the Center for Reproductive Rights and partner organisations from Hungary, Slovakia and Romania were in the European Parliament to present the report “Care in Crisis. Failures to guarantee the sexual and reproductive health and rights of refugees from Ukraine in Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.” Since Federa has READ MORE
FEDERA’S STATEMENT FOR THE 53RD SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
Below you will find FEDERA’s statement for the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council on the report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, Felipe González Morales following his visit to Poland. Human Rights Council53st session of the Human Rights CouncilJune 2023 Thank you, President. I make this statement on behalf READ MORE
AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF TO THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE CASE V.M V. POLAND
FEDERA and the Center for Reproductive Rights submitted an amicus curiae brief to the European Court of Human Rights in the case of V.M. v. Poland (application number 40002/22). The complaint concerns an Armenian national who suffered a miscarriage in the Center for Foreigners in Biała Podlaska while waiting for her asylum application to be READ MORE
FEDERA’S LETTER TO ALL POLITICAL PARTIES ON SUPPORT FOR DECRIMINALIZATION OF ABORTION
FEDERA has sent a letter to the fifteen parties indicated in pre-election polls as candidates in the upcoming elections asking them a simple question: are you FOR or AGAINST the decriminalization of abortion in Poland? We expect quick and simple answers: YES or NO. The answers will be published for the citizens to know which READ MORE
FEDERA’S RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE POLISH MINISTRY OF HEALTH
FEDERA requested to be part of this expert team and sent the letter to the Minister with the recommendations on what these guidelines should include. Following the Ministry’s press conference of 12 June organised after the death of Dorota in the hospital of Nowy Targ, the Minister of Health formed an expert team to develop READ MORE
POLAND STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH DOROTA, HER FAMILY AND CLOSE ONES. STOP KILLING US! #AniJednejWięcej
We are gathering for a protest on Wednesday, 14 June at 18:00 pm in the Warsaw Old Town (in front of the Mikołaj Kopernik statue). Join us! More info HERE. Dorota died on May 24, 2023. She was five months pregnant. She came to the hospital ward with oligohydramnios. Instead of treating Dorota and READ MORE
SRHR AND FEDERA OVERVIEW – APRIL-MAY 2023
Federa news and projects A groundbreaking win for FEDERA – mental health recognized as a reason for accessing abortion in Polish hospitals, says the National Patients’ Ombudsman Foundation for Women and Family Planning FEDERA won a clear position on abortion in public hospitals from the Ombudsman for Patients’ Rights. Today there is no doubt: the READ MORE
CARE IN CRISIS: FAILURES TO GUARANTEE THE SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS OF REFUGEES FROM UKRAINE IN HUNGARY, POLAND, ROMANIA, AND SLOVAKIA
Some refugees in Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia are returning to Ukraine temporarily to access abortion, contraception and other reproductive health services. New fact-finding study underlines urgent need for action by national governments, the European Union, and the humanitarian and donor community. 16.05.23 (PRESS RELEASE) Geneva – Women from Ukraine who sought sanctuary in the READ MORE
GROUNDBREAKING WIN FOR FEDERA – MENTAL HEALTH RECOGNIZED AS A REASON FOR ACCESSING ABORTION IN POLISH HOSPITALS
A groundbreaking win for FEDERA – mental health recognized as a reason for accessing abortion in Polish hospitals, says the National Patients’ Ombudsman Foundation for Women and Family Planning FEDERA won a clear position on abortion in public hospitals from the Ombudsman for Patients’ Rights. Today there is no doubt: the refusal to terminate the READ MORE
FEDERA REBRANDED
In April we unveiled the transformation of our brand. We’ve moved closer to the purpose that guides us to share with clarity to the world why we do what we do. With the help of professional agency FEDERA has developed a new sign and visual identity. Our slogan is “Always on your side” and it READ MORE
SRHR AND FEDERA OVERVIEW – MARCH 2023
FEDERA NEWS AND PROJECTS FEDERA at the 52nd session of the United Nation’s Human Rights Council FEDERA’s SRHR support for Ukrainian refugees NEW! Gynecological helpline in Ukrainian language available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 17-21 pm, tel. +48 573 185 628. For the 1 year anniversary of the Russian invasion on Ukraine FEDERA drafted a READ MORE
OUTCOME OF THE UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW OF POLAND AT THE 52ND SESSION OF THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
During the March session of the Human Rights Council FEDERA made a statement on the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review on Poland. The statement derived from the UPR report FEDERA and Sexual Rights Initiative submitted to the Human Rights Council for the purpose of Poland’s review. In the statement we welcomed the robust recommendations READ MORE
FEDERA AT THE 52ND SESSION OF THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL – DECRIMINALIZATION OF ABORTION IN POLAND IS IMPERATIVE
Human Rights Council 52nd session of the Human Rights Council March 2023 Thank you, President. I make this statement on behalf of the Federation for Women and Family Planning from Poland. Decriminalisation of abortion in Poland is imperative. The recent case of criminal conviction of an ?activist who helped in abortion and persistent denials of READ MORE
2022 ANNUAL REPORT
The past year will always be associated with the beginning of the largest armed conflict in Europe in years. Russian aggression against Ukraine has changed the lives of all of us, and it can be felt in virtually every aspect of everyday life. It has also influenced our work. Since the outbreak of the war, READ MORE
SRHR AND FEDERA OVERVIEW – FEBRUARY 2023
Federa news and projects FEDERA’s SRHR support for Ukrainian refugees February marks 1 year anniversary of the Russian invasion on Ukraine. FEDERA drafted a rep ort on the activities responding to the needs of Ukrainian refugees as regards SRHR. Among these are: Since June 2022, led by the Center for Reproductive Rights, FEDERA and Feminoteka are the two organisations READ MORE
SRHR AND FEDERA OVERVIEW – JANUARY 2023
Federa news and projects FEDERA intervention in the case of the 24-year-old girl who was refused access to legal abortion care At the end of January, in a small town in Podlasie (Eastern part of Poland), a 24-year-old girl with intellectual disability was raped by her uncle. When it turned out that she was pregnant, READ MORE
SRHR AND FEDERA OVERVIEW – DECEMBER 2022
FEDERA NEWS AND PROJECTS FEDERA’s SRHR support for Ukrainian refugees LEAFLET ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE FOR WOMEN REFUGEES and information on our legal helpline I Ukrainian and Polish here Since June 2022, led by the Center for Reproductive Rights, FEDERA and Feminoteka are the two organisations from Poland that together with other organisations from countries bordering Ukraine have been working READ MORE
FEDERA’S PUBLICATIONS ON ABORTION, CONTRACEPTION AND SEX ED IN UKRAINIAN AND RUSSIAN | ПУБЛІКАЦІЇ ПРО АБОРТИ, КОНТРАЦЕПЦІЮ ТА СТАТЕВЕ ВИХОВАННЯ УКРАЇНСЬКОЮ ТА РОСІЙСЬКОЮ МОВАМИ
UKRAINIAN | УКРАЇНСЬКА МОВА: ЛИСТОВКА ПРО РЕПРОДУКТИВНЕ ЗДОРОВ’Я ДЛЯ УКРАЇНЦІВ, ЩО ПРИЇХАЛИ ДО ПОЛЬЩИ ПІСЛЯ 24/2/2022 RUSSIAN | РУССКИЙ ЯЗЫК:
SRHR AND FEDERA OVERVIEW – NOVEMBER 2022
FEDERA NEWS AND PROJECTS FEDERA’s SRHR support for Ukrainian refugees LEAFLET ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE FOR WOMEN REFUGEES and information on our legal helpline I Ukrainian and Polish here Joint initiative addressing SRHR needs of women and girls fleeing the war in Ukraine Since June 2022, led by the Center for Reproductive Rights, FEDERA and Feminoteka are the two organisations READ MORE
JOINT INITIATIVE ADDRESSING SRHR NEEDS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS FLEEING THE WAR IN UKRAINE
Following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, millions of people, particularly women and children fled Ukraine and crossed the borders of Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, other EU member states and Moldova. Thousands of them needed sexual and reproductive health and gender based violence support services, and thousands more may need these services in the READ MORE
POLAND’S UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW – 17 RECOMMENDATIONS ON ACCESS TO SAFE AND LEGAL ABORTION
The review of Poland under the Fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review was held on 15 November 2022 by the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review. Two days after the Working Group adopted the report on Poland containing 433 recommendations to improve the protection of human rights as regards its full spectrum covered READ MORE
SRHR AND FEDERA OVERVIEW – OCTOBER 2022
Relevant SRHR developments in Poland Justyna Wydrzyńska court case On October 2022, the third! hearing of abortion activist Justyna Wydrzyńska was adjourned by the Praga District Court in Warsaw. The case was not heard because the witness of accusation failed to appear in court yet another time. Justyna is charged with helping in abortion on READ MORE
FEDERA TWO YEARS AFTER THE ABORTION BAN
Two years have passed since the illegitimate Constitutional Court’s ruling on abortion. On 22 October 2020, Polish flowed Constitutional Tribunal ruled that terminating a pregnancy in the case of severe fetal abnormalities is unconstitutional. The latest Onet poll shows that 70% of Polish women and men do not support these shameful changes. Only 9% view READ MORE
SRHR AND FEDERA OVERVIEW – SEPTEMBER 2022
RELEVANT SRHR DEVELOPMENTS IN POLAND Criminal charges against doctors in the case of Izabela from Pszczyna In 22 September 2021 Izabela from Pszczyna died for lack of access to life saving abortion care. Following family notification to the Prosecutor, one year later the three doctors who were responsible for taking care of Izabela have been READ MORE
FEDERA’S APPEAL TO GYNECOLOGISTS ON SAFE ABORTION DAY
On International Safe Abortion Day, the Foundation for Women and Family Planning (FEDERA) is appealing to gynecologists: the health of pregnant women should be your priority. Certificates from psychiatrists who firmly state that the pregnancy endangers the health or life of a given person are just as binding as the statements issued by a gynecologist. READ MORE
FEDERA’S APPEAL TO PSYCHIATRISTS ON SAFE ABORTION DAY
On International Safe Abortion Day, the Foundation for Women and Family Planning (FEDERA) is appealing to psychiatrists. We know that many of you are convinced that the risk to the mental health of a pregnant woman is a precondition for an abortion, however the Polish Psychiatric Association is silent on the matter. The lack of READ MORE
FEDERA’S STATEMENT AT THE 51ST SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL IN GENEVA
In this session’s statement FEDERA focus is on access to sexual and reproductive health services for survivors of sexual assaults including refugees from Ukraine and Belarus. Human Rights Council 51st regular session of the Human Rights Council September 2022 Thank you President. I make this statement on behalf of the Federation for Women and Family READ MORE
FEDERA’S STATEMENT ON THE CASE OF MARINA, WHO HAD A STILLBIRTH AT 33 WEEKS PREGNANT
Marina Jaworska, a Ukrainian who has been living in Poland for two years, was 17 weeks pregnant. During the ultrasound examination, the doctor – a well-known Warsaw gynecologist – told her that she would most likely give birth to a girl. He did not mention the fact that the fetus did not have a skull, READ MORE
FEDERA’S STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF MARTA, WHO DIED IN A KATOWICE HOSPITAL
Marta was admitted to a hospital in Katowice, Silesian Voivodeship in the 20th week of her longed-for pregnancy, with abdominal pain. Three days later, she was dead. Since admission, indicators reflecting the level of inflammation in her body began to drastically exceed the norm. She was given an antibiotic. Later, Marta also complained of chills READ MORE
SRHR IN POLAND OVERVIEW – AUGUST 2022
RELEVANT SRHR DEVELOPMENTS IN POLAND Official abortion statistics for 2021 The Ministry of Health published official abortion statistics according which only 107 abortions were carried out in Poland in 2021 (compared to 1076 In 2020). These extremely low abortion statistics are the consequence of the Constitutional Tribunal’s ruling of 22 October 2020 banning abortion on READ MORE
SRHR IN POLAND OVERVIEW – JULY 2022
Relevant SRHR developments in Poland Pregnancy register The so-called „pregnancy register” came into force on 6 July by means of the regulation of the Ministry of Health which concerns data inserted in the online medical information system. Data on pregnancy will be included in this database. Doctors only are to have access to this database. READ MORE
FEDERA SIGNS CRR’S CALL TO ACTION ON PROTECTING ABORTION ACCESS IN EUROPE
In solidarity with our American sisters – after the decision issued by the United States Supreme Court in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturns Roe v. Wade, thereby dismantling the U.S. constitutional right to abortion, together with over 130 organisations working on gender equality and SRHR in Europe, FEDERA joined the Call to Action READ MORE
OUR STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY AFTER THE US SUPREME COURT’S RULING OVERTURNING THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO ABORTION
On 24 June 2022 the US Supreme Court set aside the nearly 50-year precedent in the Roe v. Wade case which guaranteed American women the constitutional right to abortion. The immediate reaction of a dozen states clearly shows what will happen overseas in the coming days – several states have introduced the procedure to be READ MORE
„LEGAL ABORTION. WITHOUT COMPROMISE” CIVIC DRAFT BILL REJECTED BY THE POLISH PARLIAMENT IN THE FIRST READING
The draft bill initiated by civil society organisations was rejected by the Sejm in the first reading on 23 June 2022. 265 MPs supported the rejection, 175 MPs were against and 4 MPs abstained. Despite phenomenal speeches of the representatives of the civic initiative’ s legislative committee which contributed to the ongoing debate on abortion, READ MORE
FEDERA STATEMENT FOR THE 50TH SESSION OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL IN INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH THE WORKING GROUP ON DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
Human Rights Council 50th regular session of the Human Rights Council 16 June 2022 Thank you Mr. President, I make this statement on behalf of the Federation for Women and Family Planning from Poland. We welcome the Working Group’s report and analysis on the importance and restrictions faced by young feminist activists, including those READ MORE
FEDERA COMMENTS ON THE SO-CALLED “PREGNANCY REGISTER” THAT IS BEING INTRODUCED IN POLAND
“Pregnancy Register” is a project of the Ministry of Health, which in the form of regulation entered into force on 3 June 2022. It consists of collecting information about the patient in a nationwide digital data system, including information about diagnosed pregnancy. Although the Ministry explains its aim is to facilitate the work of doctors, READ MORE
LEAFLET ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE FOR WOMEN REFUGEES WHO CAME FROM UKRAINE TO POLAND AFTER 24/2/2022 | ПАМ’ЯТКА З ПИТАНЬ РЕПРОДУКТИВНОГО ЗДОРОВ’Я ДЛЯ ЖІНОК-БІЖЕНЦІВ, ЯКІ ПРИЇХАЛИ З УКРАЇНИ ДО ПОЛЬЩІ ПІСЛЯ 24/2/2022
Our leaflet contains the most important information on the access to contraception, prenatal tests, pregnancy and perinatal care, and abortion care in Poland. Наша брошура містить найважливішу інформацію про доступ до контрацепції, пренатальних тестів, вагітності та перинатального догляду, а також абортів у Польщі. 🇺🇦 УКРАЇНСЬКА МОВА 🇵🇱 JĘZYK POLSKI 🇬🇧 ENGLISH LANGUAGE
FEDERA AND SRI’S REPORT TO THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS VIOLATIONS FOR THE UPR OF POLAND
Foundation for Women and Family Planning (FEDERA) and the Sexual Rights Initiative (SRI) submitted a joint report on the state and degree of violations of sexual and reproductive rights by Poland for the Fourth Universal Periodic Review of Poland planned for November 2022. The report focuses on violations of women’s sexual and reproductive rights in READ MORE
BROCHURE ON GYNECOLOGICAL CARE FOR WOMEN REFUGUEES AND ASYLUM-SEEKERS IN POLAND
ATTENTION: If you’re Ukrainian and have arrived in Poland as a refugee after 24 February 2022, please click here for relevant information on reproductive healthcare in Poland. As a woman applying for international protection in Poland you have the right to the protection of reproductive health and associated medical services. Reproductive health means that you READ MORE
SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES IN POLAND
Poland remains the country with the highest number of refugees arriving from Ukraine, with over 2,5 million people have crossed the Polish-Ukrainian border. According to Warsaw’s mayor, Rafał Trzaskowski, the city is one of the main communication hubs for Ukrainians, with over 320 000 people reaching Warsaw since the start of the war. Trzaskowski also claims READ MORE
FEDERA’S STATEMENT CONCERNING THREATS FOR SRHR DURING THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN POLAND READ DURING THE UN HRC SESSION
On March 22, during the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, our statement was read. Human Rights Council 49th regular session of the Human Rights Council ITEM 4 General debate 21 March 2022 I make this statement on behalf of the Federation for Women and Family Planning from Poland. As READ MORE
CIVIL SOCIETY CALLS ON EUROPEAN AND OTHER GLOBAL LEADERS TO PROTECT THE SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS FLEEING UKRAINE CONFLICT
Brussels, 17 March 2022 (Press Release) Today over 60 organizations called on European authorities and the international community to urgently protect the health of women and girls fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. In a Call to Action published today, the organizations expressed grave concern about the reproductive health care needs and human rights of refugees READ MORE
NEW WHO ABORTION CARE GUIDELINE IS OUT
The new WHO Abortion Care Guideline is out. The new guideline updates the WHO’s last version issued in 2012. Drawing on the latest scientific evidence and data, the guideline provides recommendations on abortion law and policy approaches, clinical management, and service delivery for states and health systems to follow.
STATEMENT ON THE RUSSIAN INVASION ON UKRAINE
ASTRA Network categorically condemns the actions of the Russian military forces in Ukraine. As ASTRA Network, we bring together organisations from Central and Eastern Europe – a region so dramatically affected by Russian authorities’ actions in both recent times and history. Rule of fear and violence took a toll on most nations in our corner READ MORE
ONGOING RULE OF LAW CRISIS IN POLAND VIOLATES SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS OF WOMEN – ART. 7 HEARING OF POLAND BY THE GAC
On 22 February 2022, Poland will be heard at the of for General Affairs Council of the EU Ministers in connection with the procedure under Art. 7 TEU, initiated in 2017 by the European Commission in response to violations of the rule of law in Poland. At this stage, there are no doubts as to READ MORE
THE FEDERATION’S REPORT THE UN COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE
In January 2022 the Federation for Women and Family Planning submitted report to the Committee against Torture for its consideration in the context of the preparation of the List of Issues Prior to Reporting on Poland’s implementation of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This submission highlights READ MORE
“NOT ONE MORE”. ONE YEAR AFTER THE ILLEGITIMATE ABORTION BAN
NOT ONE MORE One year after the illegitimate ruling of the Constitutional Tribunal Federa will not leave any woman alone One year has passed since the most brutal attack on women’s rights in modern Polish history. A year of pain, terror, and suffering for thousands of women. From the very announcement of the ruling of READ MORE
COUNCIL OF EUROPE COMMITTEE OF MINISTERS URGES POLAND TO ENSURE ACCESS TO LAWFUL ABORTION CARE
On 2 December 2021, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe issued a decision strongly urging Poland to adopt, without further delay, long overdue clear and unified procedures for access to lawful abortion care and information. The decision expresses serious concerns about Poland’s longstanding failure to comply with the European Court of Human Rights’ judgments READ MORE
SRHR IN POLAND OVERVIEW – SECOND HALF OF 2021
Last week, the Polish Minister of Health Andrzej Niedzielski issued a draft ministerial ordinance that – if passed – would digitalize all patients’ data in a system administrated by the Minister himself. The System of Medical Information to include details regarding pregnancy and any “foreign objects inserted into the body”, including IUDs and contraceptive implants. READ MORE
ACT OF SOLIDARITY WITH POLISH WOMEN FROM LITHUANIA
November 30, 2021 To the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda To the Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland Elżbieta Witek To the Marshal of the Senate of the Republic of Poland Tomasz Grodzki To the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki To the Head of the READ MORE
DEATH TOLL OF ANTI-ABORTION LAW IN POLAND
On 29 October 2021 attorney J. Budzowska, who deals with medical error cases announced the death of 30 years old woman, Izabela. 22 weeks’ pregnant woman was said to have been taken to the hospital with an amenorrhea (lack of amniotic fluid). The woman was married and had one daughter. According to the information provided READ MORE
FEDERATION’S ACTIVITIES AROUND INTERNATIONAL SAFE ABORTION DAY 2021
As each year, the Federation for Women and Family Planning celebrates Safe Abortion Day by getting actively involved in many actions and campaigns to show its commitment to women’s right to safe abortion on the national and international level. In Poland → the Federation, followed by the women’s rights organizations of the Coalition for Equality READ MORE
FEDERATION’S STATEMENTS AT THE 48TH SESSION OF THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
On 1 October the Federation presented its statement at the debate on Universal Periodic Reviews in the context of Poland’s upcoming review in 2020. We urged Human Rights Council and all member states to hold our government accountable for obligations to ensure right to safe, legal and accessible abortion, modern contraception and comprehensive sexuality education. READ MORE
HRC48 JOINT CIVIL SOCIETY STATEMENT ON ABORTION – REQUEST TO SIGN UNTIL 1 OCTOBER
For the International Safe Abortion Day, the Federation for Women and Family Planning within the coalition of the Sexual Rights Initiative, the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Association for Women’s Rights in Development, CHOICE for Youth and Sexuality, the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Ipas, the International Service for Human Rights, Youth Coalition for Sexual and READ MORE
CALL TO POLISH MPs – WOMEN’S RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS CLAIM BACK THE RIGHT TO ABORTION
The Federation for Women and Family Planning followed by women’s rights organizations of the Great Coalition for Equality and Choice addressed a strong call to the members of Polish Parliament, in which they demand the restoration of freedom to decide about their body, pregnancy and the future of the family. Read it below: To the READ MORE
GREVIO REPORT ON POLAND PUBLISHED
16 September 2021 — The Council of Europe Expert Group on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) published its first baseline evaluation report on Poland. The report contains a comprehensive analysis of the implementation of the provisions of the Istanbul Convention by Poland. As regards SRHR, some of the GREVIO recommendations to READ MORE
THE FEDERATION REPORTS TO THE UN COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
26 August 2021 — The 88th session of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child will be held this September during which Poland is to report on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Federation for Women and Family Planning submitted a report to the Committee presenting Poland’s READ MORE
SHOW SUPPORT FOR THE RESCUE BILL – SIGN PETITION CALLING FOR DEPENALIZATION OF ABORTION IN POLAND!
26 July — Please sign the petition to support the Rescue Bill – we need to depenalise abortion in Poland! We call on all Members of the Polish Parliament to vote to immediately adopt the Rescue Bill. The proposed Rescue Bill removes criminal liability for physicians who perform abortions in case of fetal impairment and READ MORE
SRHR IN POLAND OVERVIEW – JUNE-JULY 2021
July 16 Work of the Federation for Women and Family Planning Decriminalisation of abortion campaign – sign a petition Federation continues its campaign aiming at decriminalising abortion in Poland. Please support our action and sign the petition asking Polish MPs to proceed with the so-called Rescue Bill tabled at the Parliament by the Left party. READ MORE
EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS TO CONSIDER POLISH WOMEN’S COMPLAINTS ON THE ABORTION BAN
July 9 — In April 2021 we started the Women’s Collective Complaint campaign. Its aim was to encourage Polish women to send applications to the European Court of Human Rights in connection with the decision of the so-called Constitutional Tribunal that banned abortion due to severe fetal defects. The European Court of Human Rights has READ MORE
WE DEMAND DECRIMINALIZATION OF ABORTION IN POLAND – THE FEDERATION’S STATEMENT AT THE UN HRC47
Human Rights Council47th regular session of the Human Rights Council21 June 2021 – 13 July 2021ID with WG on discrimination against women – report on Women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health rights in crisis I make this statement on behalf of the Federation for Women and Family Planning from Poland.We welcome the Working Group’s READ MORE
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ADOPTS RESOLUTION ON SRHR IN THE EU
REPORT on the situation of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the EU, in the frame of women’s health.
RULE OF LAW IN POLAND ON THE AGENDA OF THE EU MINISTERS ON 22 JUNE 2021
Ministers of the EU member states meet at the General Affairs Council session on June 22, 2021 to discuss the situations in Poland and Hungary under the Article 7 procedure. Article 7 is the mechanism provided for in the EU treaty to hold accountable governments whose actions threaten the bloc’s rule of law, human rights, READ MORE
SRHR IN POLAND OVERVIEW – MAY 2021
June 4 — On 13 May the parliamentary session of the Parliamentary Group on Human Rights and Sexual and Reproductive Rights led by the MPs from Left wing party has been held in the Polish Sejm. The doctors, representatives of organizations helping women (including the Federation for Women and Family Planning and Abortion Dream Team) READ MORE
SRHR IN POLAND OVERVIEW – JANUARY-APRIL 2021
April 30 — Since 27 January 2021, following the entry into force of the decision of the illegitimate Polish Constitutional Tribunal (case no. K 1/20) (CT), abortion is illegal in Poland, with exceptions of the pregnancy being a result of rape or incest, or a threat to the woman’s life or health. Access to abortion READ MORE
REQUEST TO THE PORTUGESE PRESIDENCY TO TAKE ACTION ON THE DETERIORATING HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN POLAND
To: Mariana Vieira da Silva, Minister of State for the Presidency, Ana Paula Zacarias, State Secretary for European Affairs, Rosa Monteiro, Secretary of State for Citizenship and Equality, Ana Mendes Godinho, Minister for Labor, Solidarity and Social Security, Ambassador Nuno Brito, Permanent Representative of Portugal to the European Union, 19 April 2021, Re: Request to READ MORE
UN COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN CLOSES WITH RENEWED COMMITMENT TO GENDER EQUALITY
March 26 — The 65th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the foremost intergovernmental body dedicated to gender equality, came to a close on Friday, 26 March 2021, after negotiations on the text of the agreed conclusions stretched into the final day of the conference. The Women’s Rights Caucus READ MORE
65TH SESSION OF THE UN COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
March 19 — From 15 to 26 March 2021, the 65th session of the Commission on the Status of Women is taking place. Due to COVID-19 situation, most of the meetings are virtual. Priority theme this year is: Women’s full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, READ MORE
OUR STATEMENT ON THE 46TH SESSION OF THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
On the 46th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council the Federation for Women and Family Planning, on behalf of the Great Coalition for Equality and Choice presented the statement on yet more alarming violations of reproductive rights of Polish women. Watch the debate here. 46th Session of the UN Human Rights Council READ MORE
2020 ANNUAL REPORT
Our report for the year 2020 is ready. Click on the cover below to read it.
“LEGAL ABORTION WITHOUT COMPROMISE” CIVIC BILL INITIATIVE
On October 22, 2020, the illegitimate Polish Constitutional Court ruled that access to abortion due to “high probability of severe and irreversible foetal disability or incurable disease threatening its life” is unconstitutional. Fierce protests have been held incessantly following the decision of the CT. On 27 January 2021, the text of the illegal Constitutional Court READ MORE
POLAND INTRODUCES A NEARLY-TOTAL BAN ON ABORTION
January 27, 2021 – Just before midnight, the abortion-banning “ruling” of Polish Constitutional Tribunal was published in Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland. As of this day, abortion is illegal in Poland, with exceptions of the pregnancy being a result of rape or incest, or a threat to the woman’s life or health. READ MORE
POLISH CONSTITUTIONAL TRIBUNAL PUBLISHES JUSTIFICATION FOR THE ABORTION-BANNING RULING
January 27, 2021 – On Wednesday evening, Polish Constitutional Tribunal published a justification of the abortion-banning “ruling” issued on October 22, 2020. For the ban to come to life, the “ruling” still has to officially be published in Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland. Although this has not happened yet, governmental officials have READ MORE
WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE COMPLAINT: LODGE AN APPLICATION TO THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN STRASBURG AGAINST THE RULING OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL TRIBUNAL ON ABORTION
January 1 — Today, together with cause dedicated lawyers, we are starting an action titled Women’s Collective Complaint (Skarga Kobiet). Civic Initiative Women’s Collective Complaint (Inicjatywa Obywatelska Skarga Kobiet) and the Federation for Women and Family Planning have developed a model application to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg (ECHR). It is a READ MORE
WE CALL ON THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION TO DEFEND FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS IN POLAND
The Federation, together with other NGOs in the Great Coalition for Equality and Choice, joined several international NGOs and signed a letter to the Commisioners of the EC: V. Jurova, H. Dalli, D. Reynders expressing concerns about the recent developments and continued and persistent attacks against the rule of law and human rights in Poland. READ MORE
RESOLUTION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON THE DE FACTO BAN ON THE RIGHT TO ABORTION IN POLAND
On 26 November 2020, the European Parliament issued a resolution on the facto ban on abortion in Poland.
MASTERS OF CHAOS – FOLLOW UP AFTER (NO) PUBLICATION OF A (NON-)JUDGEMENT OF THE (NON-)CONSTITUTIONAL TRIBUNAL
November 23 — On October 22, the Polish “Constitutional Tribunal” (CT) issued a “ruling” (K 1/20) finding abortion on the grounds of “severe and irreversible fetal defect or incurable illness that threatens the fetus’ life” unconstitutional. The ruling has not yet entered into force because it has not been published in the Polish Journal of READ MORE
SOLIDARITY IS OUR STRENGTH
Solidarity actions with the Polish women are remarkable and come literally from all parts of the world. Thank you so much for every voice of support coming our way. It means a lot to us! Recently solidarity actions have been organized in Lithuania. During the conference held in Vilnius on Gender equality on 12-13 November READ MORE
SUMMARY OVERVIEW OF UN RECOMMENDATIONS ON ABORTION IN POLAND – Oct 2020
Poland has received several recommendations from the UN on abortion. Several UN treaty bodies have also recommended Poland to expand access to abortion in order to comply with its human rights obligations under the Convention against Torture,[i] the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,[ii] the Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against READ MORE
POLAND HAS SLAMMED DOOR SHUT ON LEGAL AND SAFE ABORTIONS
Poland has slammed door shut on legal and safe abortions – UN experts GENEVA (27 October 2020) – “Poland has decided to sacrifice women’s human right to safe and legal health services for termination of pregnancy on account of protection of the right to life of the unborn in violation of its international human rights READ MORE
POLISH CONSTITUTIONAL TRIBUNAL RULES TO BAN ABORTION IN THE COUNTRY
On October 22, Polish “Constitutional Tribunal” (CT) issued a “ruling” (K 1/20) finding abortion on the grounds of “severe and irreversible fetal defect or incurable illness that threatens the fetus’ life” unconstitutional. The ruling has not yet entered into force which will happen after its publication in the Polish Journal of Laws[1]. Independent monitors READ MORE
POLITICISED TRIBUNAL WILL DECIDE ON THE MOST OFTEN NEEDED GROUND FOR LEGAL ABORTION IN POLAND
The Constitutional Tribunal on the session on 22 October 2020[1] will decide on the compliance with the Constitution[2] of the abortion on the grounds of the high probability of a severe and irreversible foetal defect or incurable illness that threatens the foetus’s life (art. 4a § 1 pt. 2 and art. 4a §2 first sentence READ MORE
INTERNATIONAL SAFE ABORTION DAY 2020 – FEDERATION’S MANIFESTO & STATEMENTS
For more than a decade, September 28 has been celebrated in many countries as the International Safe Abortion Day. The tradition of this day, however, goes back to 1990, when in South America this day served for advocacy campaigns on the decriminalization of abortion. The Federation for Women and Family Planning has been celebrating this READ MORE
FUNDAMENTALIST PROPAGANDA AGAINST SEXUALITY EDUCATION IN POLAND
This short article is a brief summary of the recent mobilisation of the conservatives in Poland against the attempts to provide crumbs of sexuality education in Polish schools. With the beginning of the new school year 2020/2021 the activities of Ordo Iuris[1] (ultraconservative think tank) in the field of parents’ involvement in the education of READ MORE
SRHR in Poland during the Covid-19 pandemic – update on the worrying legislative “developments”
April 2020: Parliamentary debate on 2 legislative proposals quasi totally banning abortion and sexuality education In the midst of coronavirus pandemic, the Polish Sejm decided to proceed with the 1st reading of the two controversial legislatives proposals. The reading took place on 15-16 of April, while the free movement of persons and the freedom of READ MORE
Advocacy for referral obligation. International responses
On 27 May 2020 on the session of the Parliamentary Commission on Health the amendment introducing the referral obligation to the government draft bill on the doctors’ and dentists’ professions has been deleted. The draft bill without the referral obligation passed the 3rd reading in the Polish Sejm and was sent to the Senate for READ MORE
NEW REPORT: “CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS CONTRREVOLUTION – IS POLISH LAW UNDER THE THREAT OF CHRISTIAN FUNDAMENTALIST IDEOLOGY?”
As a member of the Great Coalition for Equality and Choice we proudly present the English summary of the Coalition’s report about the Institute for Legal Culture Ordo Iuris, which has been fostering cultural and religious counterrevolution in Poland and beyond. The publication is the civil society’s response to the growing sphere of activities and READ MORE
Statement for the 44th session of the Human Rights Council
This statement was delivered by the Federation for Women and Family Planning during the 44th session of the Human Rights Council. Watch the presentation of the statement We welcome the report of the WG on Women’s human rights in the changing world of work and strongly advocate for the recommendations included in the report to READ MORE
Poland uses COVID-19 pandemics to push for further restrictions in women’s access to sexual and reproductive rights
In the midst of coronavirus pandemic, the Polish Sejm decided to proceed with the 1st reading of the two scandalous legislatives proposals. The reading will take place on 15-16 of April, while the free movement of persons and freedom of assembly are gravely limited due to public health grounds and protests against the bills cannot READ MORE
Hundreds of NGOs appeal to European governments to ensure safe and timely access to abortion care during the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic and public health crisis is presenting grave challenges for health care systems across Europe. As European countries work to address the pandemic, protect their populations, and meet the increased demand on health care workers and health care facilities it is vital that they adopt measures to safeguard the health, human dignity, physical READ MORE
Federation’s successful advocacy for the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights in SRHR
At the beginning of March 2020, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers examined (lack) of progress in the execution of 3 judgments of the European Court of Human Rights against Poland concerning some important aspects of access to basic SRHR services. The oldest judgment was issued in 2007 which makes 13 years of the READ MORE
CSW64 & Beijing+25 – Feminist Declaration and our statement
Twenty-five years after the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the foundational global document on gender equality, governments at an abbreviated session of the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) have reaffirmed a commitment to gender equality but, according to leading feminist groups and activists, fell short of committing to READ MORE
Statements for the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council
We present statements that the Federation for Women and Family Planning submitted during the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council. Details on resolutions, panels and debates relevant to SRHR can be found on the website of our partner Sexual Rights Initiative. Statement regarding the situation in Poland on the occasion of the International Women’s READ MORE
ANNUAL REPORT 2019
A lot happened in various areas of reproductive health in 2019, even though we did not witness mass protest in the face of antiabortion backlash. It was a busy year for the Federation. We addressed the problem of the lack of access to guaranteed reproductive health services, as well as the abuse of patient’s rights READ MORE
Polish anti-LGBT zones growing in power, EU reacts
In the recent months in Poland, around 93 local councils in around 14 districts (voivodships) in Poland have adopted anti-LGBTI statements or resolutions. These resolutions are incompatible with the Polish Constitution and basic standards of the international human rights law Poland has undertaken to respect. Their language is scandalous: the resolutions speak of “stopping of READ MORE
“Sexual and reproductive health and rights in Europe”
he Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of 1995 is the most ambitious road map for the empowerment of women and girls everywhere. In 2020, it will be 25 years since the Beijing Platform for Action set strategic objectives and actions for the achievement of gender equality in 12 critical areas of concern. The Beijing+25 Regional Review READ MORE
Statements for the 42nd session of the Human Rights Council
The International Safe Abortion Day marked the 42nd session of the HUman Rights Council. The Federation for Women and Family Planning issued its own statements or joined statements of our partner Sexual Rights Initiative. Statement on behalf of the Coalition for EQuality and Choice Right to abortion is an essential part of women’s sexual READ MORE
International Safe Abortion Day 2019 in Poland
This theme for 28th September 2019 is “Abortion is Healthcare” with the tagline “My Right to Decide!” and hashtag #MyAbortionMyHealth. In The Federation we have always seen abortion as a matter of health, self-determination, freedom and democracy. Therefore, our input to the celebration of September, 28 is the photo contest and exhibition entitled “Abortion. Poland. READ MORE
Joint statement on the outcome of the 41st session of the Human Rights Council
“Critical gains despite backlash”, reads a joint statement by the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Sexual Rights Initiative, Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, Plan International, Choice for Youth and Sexuality, Arrow, the Coalition of African Lesbians, the Federation for Women and Family Planning, IPPF, RFSU and AWID on the outcome of the 41st READ MORE
Supplemental Information on Poland for the Review by the Committee against Torture
Federation for Women and Family Planning, Women Enabled International, Magdalena Szarota (Lancaster University and Association of Disabled Women. ONE.pl) and independent researchers Agnieszka Król and Agnieszka Wołowicz respectfully present this submission to the Committee against Torture due to its review of Poland’s compliance with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or READ MORE
Global South Leadership on Women’s and Girls’ Rights
Kindly find below and attached herewith a joint statement by the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Sexual Rights Initiative, Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, CREA, Women Enabled International, Arrow, the Coalition of African Lesbians, the Federation for Women and Family Planning and Akahatá on the outcome of the 40th session of the Human READ MORE
Cherry-picking of women’s human rights. Summary of the 63rd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women
Feminist persistence at the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) has delivered new international standards on women’s human rights to social protection systems, access to public services, and sustainable infrastructure. These gains were achieved in spite of the increasingly polarised political environment at the UN’s biggest annual gathering on women’s rights. “In the READ MORE
Statement for the 40th Human Rights Council
We welcome the tenth anniversary report and strategies for advancing cultural rights for the next decade presented by the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights. We recognise the importance of those rights within the universal human rights framework. We welcome the commitment of the Special Rapporteur to giving a voice to human rights READ MORE
Poland criticized by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers has expressed serious concern about Poland’s longstanding failure to ensure that women and girls in Poland can access legal abortion care in practice. In a very important decision the Committee of Ministers has urged Poland to implement three landmark judgments on women’s access to abortion from the European READ MORE
Statement for the 63rd session of the Commission on the Status of Women
Federation for Women and Family Planning from Poland, Union Women’s Center from Georgia, “Women and Modern World” Social Charitable Center from Azerbaijan and Women’s Rights Center from Armenia are Economic and Social Council accredited organisations working in the field of women’s rights in Central and Eastern Europe and the Caucasus and operate on national, regional READ MORE
Statement for the 40th Human Rights Council on cultural rights
This statement was delivered at the 40th session of the Human Right Council by the Federation for Women and Family Planning on behalf of the Great Coalition for Equality and Choice from Poland. The statements refers to the report by the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights “Cultural rights: tenth anniversary report“. We READ MORE
Fighting drastic anti-choice banners. Case study: Poland
The anti-choice organizations in Poland are becoming more and more visible in the public sphere with their drastic images which instrumentalize dismembered fetuses to distort the truth about abortion. The Right to Life Foundation has been presenting its manipulative exhibition since 2005, but it was not until the elections in 2015 that they could extend READ MORE
Annual report 2018
The year 2018 brought new barriers in access to reproductive health services, but also further consolidation of social forces against backlash and attacks on the fundamental rights of women and various disadvantaged groups. The beginning of the year was a blow to the pro-choice community, which had to witness the mediocre parliamentary debate on two READ MORE
ARROW for Change – The Right to Choose
The decision and choice on whether to have children, when to have them, how many children to have and in what intervals, belongs to and is the sole right of a woman. No woman should be forced to continue a pregnancy against her will or face life, health or legal risks as a result of READ MORE
Statements for the 39th Session of the Human Rights Council
This is a statement of the Federation for Women and Family Planning on behalf of the Great Coalition for Equality and Choice from Poland. It was delivered at the 39th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on September 24th in support of the September 28 Global Day of Action for Access to READ MORE
“Sexual and reproductive health rights and the implication of conscientious objection”
We are delighted to present a new report on SRHR and the conscientious objection. This study was commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the FEMM Committee. It aims to provide a comparative overview of the situation in the European Union, in terms of access READ MORE
“Abortion is part of our lives”. International Safe Abortion Day 2018 in Poland
September 28 is a globally recognized day that frames campaign activities undertaken by advocates around the world to strengthen an international movement for legal and safe abortion. This year, WGNRR, the International Campaign for Women’s Right to Safe Abortion, Ipas Alliance, Campaña 28 de Septiembre LAC and many more partners and allies are joining efforts READ MORE
Joint submission to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The Federation for Women and Family Planning, TUS Foundation, Strefa Wenus z Milo Association, Elektrownia Inspiracji Foundation, Stowarzyszenie Inicjatyw Kobiecych/Association of Women Initiatives and Agnieszka Wołowicz respectfully present this submission to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in advance of its review of Poland’s compliance with the Convention on the Rights of READ MORE
Barbarian anti-abortion bill back in the fundamentalists’ game. Reactions
Fundamentalists led by activist Kaja Godek forced the Social Policy and Family Committee to debate the repressive “Stop abortion” bill on Monday (2.07.2018) at 4 pm. Let us recall that this draft law would penalize abortions in case of foetal impairment, which now make up 95% of all legal abortions performed in the Polish hospitals. READ MORE
Statements for the 38th Session of the Human Rights Council
This joint statement expresses support for the Working Group on Discrimination Against Women in Law and in Practice and commends the Working Group’s strong report to the Council on reasserting equality and countering rollbacks [A /HRC/38/46] Co-signatories: Center for Reproductive Rights, RFSU, IPPF, SRI, The Federation for Women and Family Planning, ASTRA Network, Plan International, READ MORE
Rising support for abortion
In April and May pro-choice billboards with the slogan “Women in Poland demand legal abortion” have appeared in different cities and towns across Poland. This campaign was organised by an informal women’s group, which managed to gather financial means in a crowdfunding campaign. The organizers and supporters wished to protest with these billboards against manipulative READ MORE
Great mobilization on #BlackFriday
March 23 is yet another historic moment in the Polish history. Renewed attempt to ban abortion in case of foetal impairment have brought almost 90 000 people to the streets of Warsaw, not to mention other 23 cities in Poland and 13 abroad. How did it start? On the March, 14 the Polish Episcopal Conference READ MORE
International support against the pending abortion ban in Poland
Positive vote on the draconian draft law “Stop abortion” in the Committee on Justice has resulted not only in many examples of fierce civic opposition like mass mobilization on the Black Friday (23.04; circa 90000 participants), but also it has captured attention of foreign media, NGOs and human rights bodies. Poland has received many proofs READ MORE
Over 200 international NGOs appeal for the rejection of “Stop abortion” bill
Poland’s Parliament should listen to the voices of women across Poland and reject a regressive legislative proposal that would erode reproductive rights, over 200 human and women’s rights groups from across the globe said in a statement issued today. The Parliament is debating a draft bill entitled “Stop Abortion.” If adopted, this legislation will severely READ MORE
Concerted attack of the Polish fundamentalists & reactions (in Poland and abroad)
Since 2015 when the Law and Justice Party has come to power, atmosphere around women’s rights and freedoms, including the right to abortion, is very tense. In January 2018, the MP referred a draft law banning abortion in case of foetal impairment to the committee for a further discussion. Following massive protests, the decision makers READ MORE
“Suffocating the Movement – Shrinking space for women’s rights”
Increasing fundamentalism, conservatism and traditional values started suffocating the women’s movement. Women were physically prevented from moving freely and women’s organisations were threatened and harassed. The shrinking space for civil society organisations has a negative impact on all organisations, but it hits women’s organisations particularly hard. In patriarchal societies, women are excluded from decision-making arenas, READ MORE
Statement for the 51st session of the Commission on Population and Development
The Federation for Women and Family Planning with its partners and allies from Central and Eastern Europe welcomes the theme of fifty-first session of the Commission on Population and Development: “Sustainable cities, human mobility and international migration” (9-13.04.2018). Statement for the 51 session of the Commission on Population and Development in a PDF file In READ MORE
Statement for the 62nd session of the Commission on the Status of Women
The Federation for Women and Family Planning welcomes the sixty-second session of the Commission on the Status of Women (12-23.03.208) and its priority theme of “Challenges and opportunities in achieving gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls”. Statement in a PDF file Central and Eastern European region serves as an example of READ MORE
International concerns about women’s rights backsliding in Poland
The worsening state of SRHR in Poland has brought multiple reactions from international human rights bodies. Please below find here the most crucial observations and recommendations. Letter of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister of Poland, the Commissioner refers to recent developments affecting READ MORE
Conformism, contempt & conceit – voting on abortion-related bills in the Polish Parliament
10/01 will be remembered as another day when Polish women were betrayed by people who were given mandate to represent their citizens. Citizens and their legislative initiative. Polish MPs have rejected the “Save women” bill and referred to the committee the “Stop abortion” bill. We thought we hit rock bottom, then the anti-choice majority knocked READ MORE
#25YearsOfWomen’sHell – 25th disgraceful anniversary of the Polish anti-abortion law
7th January 1993 Act on Family Planning, Human Embryo Protection and Conditions of Legal Pregnancy Termination (later: the Act) has had a detrimental effect on women’s reproductive and sexual health and rights for 25 years. Due to the anniversary and upcoming debates about two abortion-related citizens’ bills[1] in the Parliament, the Federation for Women and READ MORE
The draft law penalizing abortion in case of foetal impairment submitted to the Parliament
On November, 30 the “Stop Abortion” Civic Committee has tabled 830 000 signatures under the bill that would ban abortion in one of the three cases in which abortion is allowed according to the Bill of 1993. The organisers of the campaign with a strong and active support of the Polish Episcopate and parishes all over READ MORE
Limiting availability of contraception – proceeding a draft law on conscience clause for pharmacists
The Polish Bureau of Research (BAS) has positively evaluated a draft law that would introduce conscience clause for pharmacists and owners of drug stores. According to the law elaborated and delivered by the Federation of Polish Catholic Pharmacists they will have rights 1) to refuse to sell drugs should they be incompatible with their conscience READ MORE
EP’s resolution on the situation in Poland, incl. reproductive rights
The European Parliament is calling on Poland to address the current restrictions to the independence of the judiciary, freedom of assembly, sexual and reproductive rights, and denial of asylum-seekers’ access to the Polish territory. The Parliament adopted a resolution that highlights the further deterioration of the situation in Poland since the previous European Parliament resolution READ MORE
Attempts to use the non-sovereign Constitutional Tribunal in order to restrict women’s rights to legal abortion
A group of extremist MPs, mainly from the ruling party Law and Justice (PiS) and Kukiz’15, submitted a motion challenging the constitutionality of one of the cases, which allows for abortion according to The Family Planning, Human Embryo Protection and Conditions of Permissibility of Abortion Act. MPs claim that the right to abortion in case READ MORE
Poland against UN standards on abortion and capital punishment
The ongoing battle around fundamental reproductive rights in Poland becomes even more fierce. Government’s attempts to criminalize abortions and make one of the toughest anti-abortion laws even stricter are expressed in its statement delivered to the Human Rights Committee. Polish non-governmental organizations are deeply concerned about the official remarks to the General Comment No 36 READ MORE
“Save Women” bill with 500 000 signatures submitted to the Polish Parliament
On October, 23 the “Save Women” Civic Committee has tabled almost 500 000 signatures collected under the bill on women’s rights and conscious parenthood. The lower chamber has now three months to initiate debate on the draft legislation. It is on the ruling party if it will be sent to further proceeding – as promised READ MORE
Doctors for Women help women in Poland access emergency contraception
Doctors for Women (Lekarze Kobietom) is an informal initiative that unites doctors from all across Poland who want to help women access emergency contraception. Created as a response to Ministry of Health decision to reinstate the requirement for doctor’s prescription for emergency contraception the initiative aims to fill the wide gap of reproductive health needs. READ MORE
Joint Statement on Access to Safe and Legal Abortion Globally
HRC36: General Debate Item 8 25th September 2017 Joint statement on behalf of Action Canada for Population and Development; Federation for Women and Family Planning; Center for Reproductive Rights; Ipas; ActionAid; Advocates for Youth; ARC International (Allied Rainbow Communities International); Asian Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW); Asociación Pro-Bienestar de la Familia Colombiana READ MORE
MY #BLACKPROTEST
The stories in this volume describe contemporary Poland mostly from the perspective of medium-size cities and small towns. The authors, one of whom is a man, present the moment when they questioned the ordinary scheme of everyday life, the moment when the personal became political. Rebellion was born. Poland as seen by the contributors to READ MORE
Universal Periodic Review of Poland – statement for the 36th session of Human Rights Council
This statement is made on behalf of the Federation for Women and Family Planning. Poland has yet failed to implement any of the recommendations it accepted pertaining to sexual and reproductive health from the previous Cycles. The situation is getting worse each year because of Polish authorities’ activity and abandonment. First, Poland has one of READ MORE
Support the HRC36 Joint NGO statement on safe and legal abortion
In support of the September 28 Global Day of Action for Access to Safe and Legal Abortion, Sexual Rights Initiative, Center for Reproductive Rights and Ipas have developed a joint statement on abortion rights for delivery at the upcoming 36th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The session runs from Sept. 11-29, and READ MORE
Abortion battle in Poland continues
Poland remains to be at forefront of battle over women’s rights and the right to a safe and legal abortion. In recent months, despite the success of the “Black Protest” in the last year we are witnessing attempts to further restrict the current, already very strict, legislation. However, this time the anti-choice groups, with clear READ MORE
International Convening on conscientious objection in Urugway
Montevideo, August 4, 2017─Fifty experts from 20 countries in Africa, the Americas and Europe, among them executive director and lawyer of Federation, gathered at the first international convening on conscientious objection to abortion have concluded that the refusal to provide legal abortion services is hurting women all over the world and must be tackled. The READ MORE
“Save Women” Civic Commitee finally established!
The situation of women’s rights in Poland continues to deteriorate. In the recent months we have witnessed few attempts to further restrictions the current law on abortion. At this moment there are three legal initiatives aimed to ban abortion due to fetal malformation: civic initiative undertaken by fanatic anti abortion organization willing to propose a READ MORE
Poland limits access to emergency contraception
On June 23rd the Polish President Andrzej Duda approved legislation that will end prescription-free access to emergency contraception. The new law comes into effect next month and will requite women wishing to obtain a prescription for the morning after pill to visit a doctor, either at a public or private facility. On May 25th the READ MORE
Call to action – keep the fanatics out of the UN
Ordo Iuris, a far right‐wing Polish organisation that wants to jail women for having abortion has just been appointed the consultative status to the Economic and Social Council in the UN! We strangly recommend to sign petition to protest against this decision of the ECOSOC today. Sign the petition now.
The Federation’s commentary to the Polish Government’s Report within the UPR 2017
On 9 May 2017 the government of Poland presented a report in front of the UN Human Rights Council within the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) regarding the observance of human rights in Poland and the realization of i.a. the Universal Human Rights Declaration. During the 27th session of the UPR as many as five states READ MORE
The Great Coalition for Equality and Choice
The Great Coalition for Equality and Choice was established as a reaction to the offensive of anti-women groups. The draft regulations directly threatening the life and health of women, restricting access to emergency contraception, frightening doctors in their work places, the shocking billboard campaigns, the fight against comprehensive sexuality education, as well as the systemic READ MORE
International Women’s Day 2017: Polish Women Strike and Protest Again
Following last October’s Black Protest and as part of the International Women’s Strike in over 80 Polish cities women took to the streets to protest against violating their rights. Polish women demanded among others: access to safe and legal abortion, free modern contraception including over-the-counter emergency contraception, and to the newest generation of prenatal testing, READ MORE
Statement of the Federation and SRI for Human Rights Council
Today on 34th session of the Human Rights Council Federation for Women and Family Planning, in collaboration with Sexual Rights Initiative, provided a statement on the on the Report of the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights. Read Krystyna Kacpura’s, director of Federation for Women and Family Planning, statement here.
Polish Government to Limit Access to the Morning-After Pill
The Polish government wants to restrict access to emergency contraception. A governmental draft law approved on Tuesday, 14 February 2017 states that hormonal contraceptives will be available on prescription only, should the draft bill be discussed and adopted by the parliament. Since 2015, based on a decision of the European Commission, the morning-after pill ellaOne READ MORE
Annual Report 2016
English translation of the Federation’s annual report for 2016 is available online here.
Joint statement on the planned restrictions on the availability of emergency contraception in Poland
ASTRA together with ASTRA Youth, as part of coalition of civil society organizations working on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights – You Act, CHOICE for Youth and Sexuality and the European Consortium for Emergency Contraception, sent a letter to the representatives of the European Commission, to voice our concern on the current developments in READ MORE
Federation’s 25 Year Anniversary Ceremony
On 19th of November Federa held its 25 Year Anniversary Ceremony. It was an occassion to, both, sum up 25 years of fight for women’s rights in Poland and work on strategies for the future. Anniversary began with performative reading based on everyday work in Federa. After artistic part of a gala, Agnieszka Graff, translator, READ MORE
Induced Abortion Worldwide according to Guttmacher Institute
The Guttmacher Institute is a leading research and policy organization committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights in the United States and globally. In May 2016 Guttmacher Institute developed a factsheet that aims to raise awareness about women’s and girl’s rights to safe and legal abortion. Click here to access the factsheet.
The statement of the Federation for UN Human Rights Committee
Today on 118 th session of the UN Human Rights Committe Federation for Women and Family Planning provided a statement on the realisation of reproductive rights in Poland. Read Krystyna Kacpura’s, director of Federation for Women and Family Planning, statement here.
We’ll never be the same – Krystyna Kacpura on women’s protests in The Guardian
They call us Nazis and say that we are no better than Hitler because we think a woman should have be able to choose whether she gives birth to a seriously sick child – but we are used to such comparisons. They say these things about us because they are frightened. The government of Poland READ MORE
Polish women went on strike and stopped – for now – proceedings on the anti-abortion bill
On Friday, September 23rd, the Polish Sejm sent to further proceedings draft legislation aiming to introduce a total ban on abortion and criminalize women for terminating pregnancies with up to 5 years of prison. Women and doctors could face prison if convicted of causing what the proposed bill called “death of a conceived child”. Moreover READ MORE
Draft bill “Stop Abortion” – rejected in Polish Parliament!!
With 352 votes the Polish Parliament has now officialy DISMISSED the anti-abortion civic bill. 58 MP were in favour of further proceedings, 18 abstained from vote. Beata Szydło, Polish Prime Minister, announced a future bill that will support all women experiencing so called “difficult pregnancies”. She also announced the creation of a programme of support READ MORE
Black Friday for Polish women
On Thursday, September 22nd, Polish members of Parliament debated on two civic proposals of law concerning abortion. The “Stop Abortion” initiative assumes a complete prohibition of abortion with no exception. Additionally it proposes criminalization of women who committed abortion illegally up to five years. The project excludes pre-natal tests and sexuality education. It equals women’s READ MORE
Joint Advocacy Statement in Support of Polish Women
The Polish Parliament will today debate two bills concerning access to legal and safe abortion one aiming to implement a total ban on abortion and the other one introducing a liberalization of the current law. ASTRA, ASTRA Youth and CHOICE for Youth and Sexuality have prepared this statement to draw attention on the stand of READ MORE
Save Women demonstration
On 18th of September thousands gathered outside the national parliament in Warsaw to protest against proposed stricter abortion law. Demonstration was organized by women’s initiatives and organizations, including Federation for Women and Family Planning. Both, the “Stop Abortion” draft law and Save Women draft law, will be debated in polish parliament next Thursday (22nd September).
Stop this crackdown on abortion in Poland – Krystyna Kacpura’s opinion in The Guardian
As Poland’s rightwing ruling party seeks to tighten an already restrictive abortion law, there is a growing solidarity among women in the struggle for our reproductive rights. In my desk drawer, I have the signatures of 1,500 Polish women who support liberalising our country’s abortion law, which bans the procedure except in cases of rape, READ MORE
International Campaign for Women’s Right to Safe Abortion
UN agencies supporting women’s rights have been asked today to send “a strong signal” to governments around the world by passing a resolution at this year’s UN General Assembly in September to make International Safe Abortion Day an official UN day. An Open Letter was sent to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the heads of READ MORE
Shadow Report available on UN website
Alternative Report to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is already available on United Nation’s webiste. Report submitted by the Polish informal coalition for the CCPR for consideration of the UN Human Rights Committee was prepared by Federation for Women and Family Planning and other organizations such as: Polish Society of Antidiscrimination Law READ MORE
Citizen’s draft liberalising abortion regulations already in Sejm
A draft seeking to liberalise Poland’s abortion laws prepared by the “Save the Women” Legislative Initiative Committee reached the Sejm (lower house) on 4th of August. The committee collected 215 000 signatures under the draft. Few weeks ago a citizen’s anti-abortion bill completely banning abortion and making it punishable by a prison term reached the READ MORE
“Reproductive Rights in Poland”
This report on the monitoring of reproductive rights in Poland was created in the framework of the project financed by the European Commission and realised by the Federation for Women and Family Planning, entitled Proactive monitoring of women’s reproductive rights as a part of human rights in Poland. The report provides a comprehensive overview of READ MORE
“Twenty years of anti-abortion law in Poland”
The aim of this report is to draw attention to the failure in implementation and fictional character of the law remaining in force for over two decades. The law which contradicts the secular nature of a democratic state. “Twenty years of anti-abortion law in Poland” – report in PDF Twenty years is enough to provide READ MORE