Polish Presidential Elections
On 18 May 2025 and 1 June 2025, presidential elections were held in Poland. During the second round of elections in June, in which Poles chose between Rafał Trzaskowski, Mayor of Warsaw, and Karol Nawrocki, President of the Institute of National Remembrance, nearly 72% of voters turned out, which is a record turnout.
Karol Nawrocki became President of Poland, winning 50.89% of the votes cast. This means that difficult times are ahead for women in Poland. The president-elect will be the next person to block key changes that a large part of Polish society has been waiting for for years – just like his predecessor, the incumbent President Andrzej Duda, who comes from the same political camp.
This is not the presidency that women across Poland have been waiting for. Karol Nawrocki’s victory is undoubtedly bitter news that will affect our dignity and health. But it is what it is, and we must face this reality. However, we do not have to do so passively. FEDERA will not rest until abortion is legal, accessible and safe. Regardless of who holds the highest offices in the state.
At the moment, the abortion ban remains in force as per the 2020 Constitutional Tribunal ruling, doctors are afraid to provide legal health services, and women’s loved ones are being sentenced by criminal courts for wanting to help them. This is not the end of the fight for women’s rights in Poland. It is yet another chapter in a situation we have been stuck in for years – a politicised game in which we ourselves are the stakes.
Annual ASTRA Network Meeting
On 28-29 May, our member organisations from across the region came together to exchange ideas, set new priorities and strengthen our collective impact in the fight for sexual and reproductive health and rights. During two days of dynamic discussions and joint workshops, we faced the challenges of shrinking civic space, explored innovative advocacy strategies and co-created the future direction of ASTRA Network.
Abortion Advocacy Academy
On 23-25 May, the Abortion Advocacy Academy took place in Poznań, a joint initiative of FEDERA, Amnesty International and the Centre for Reproductive Rights. During the workshops, we trained a group of selected new advocates for abortion rights in Poland. The participants are ready to become leaders of change in their local communities, prepared by specialists from leading global human rights organisations.
FIGO on Foetal Asystole Induction
The World Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics has issued a statement on foetal asystole induction. FIGO confirms that the procedure is a form of medical care. It also indicates that induction of asystole should be treated as a medical procedure that does not require additional legal regulation. This is a historic document and a huge victory. We are proud that it is the result of, among other things, FEDERA’s months-long requests to FIGO to speak out on this issue.
This document also complements FIGO’s position from last year, which states that ‘induced foetal asystole (…) is an essential part of high-quality standard medical care and is consistent with the intended purpose of abortion, which is never the birth of a live child.’
European Testing Week in FEDERA Health Center
From 19 to 26 May, as part of European Testing Week, the FEDERA Health Center offered free testing for HIV, HCV and syphilis.
Testing for HIV, HCV and syphilis is an important part of preventive healthcare. It allows for early detection of possible infection and rapid initiation of treatment, which today enables a normal, long life. Many people live with the virus without knowing it – that is why it is worth getting tested, even if you do not feel any symptoms.
Legal Opinion on the Legal Aspects of Late-Term Abortion
The Vice-President of FEDERA, together with other leading Polish lawyers specialising in reproductive health, have published a groundbreaking legal opinion on the legal aspects of late-term abortion.
