Controversy in Poland as Abortion Laws are Up for Debate

The Polish parliament is set to debate overturning what some consider to be Europe’s strictest abortion laws.

Currently, abortion is only allowed in cases of the mother’s life or health being at risk, or in cases of rape or incest.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s Left alliance is pushing for abortion to be permitted up to the 12th week of pregnancy, to be state-funded, and for abortion assistance to be decriminalized.

Opponents of the proposed legislation argue that it could lead to a decline in Poland’s population. The issue has sparked protests, with a recent “National March for Life” drawing around 50,000 people in Warsaw.

Despite the ongoing debate, critics suggest that Polish women seeking abortions may still need to travel to neighbouring countries.

President Andrzej Duda is expected to veto any softening of abortion laws, meaning significant change may have to wait until after his term ends in 2025.