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 right to health with the rights of embryos. Polish women will be forced to give birth even if they are victims of rape, when they have serious fetal abnormality and even when their health and life are at risk.
The “Save the Women” initiative proposed a project of liberalization of the current abortion law. Abortion would be allowed until 12th week of pregnancy. Additionally, it sexuality education, broad access to reimbursed and modern contraception, pre-natal tests and other elements of reproductive health.
Unfortunately, this project was rejected in the first reading in Parliament on Friday, September 23rd. The “Stop Abortion” project was referred to further procedures. With this decision Polish women have lost the rest of their reproductive rights.
The discussion in Parliament regarding these projects was outrageous. Certain members of Parliament claimed that Poland will be the beginning of a new pro-life civilization. They expect that other countries will follow. Women’s rights have then completely denied and held in contempt.
Krystyna Kacpura
Executive Director
Federation for Women and Family Planning, Poland