Polish Parliament Passes Bills to Liberalize Abortion Access

The Polish Parliament has approved two legislative measures aimed at easing the nation's restrictive abortion laws. One bill seeks to permit abortion in instances of severe fetal abnormalities or conditions threatening the life of the unborn child, while the second removes criminal penalties for individuals who assist women in obtaining abortions. Currently, Poland only allows the procedure in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life or health is at risk.

Despite the parliamentary vote, the bills face significant obstacles to becoming law. President Karol Nawrocki, a conservative, is widely expected to exercise his veto power, as his administration has publicly affirmed a commitment to protecting life from conception to natural death. Additionally, lawmakers are currently debating a separate proposal that would legalize abortion up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) has criticized the legislative shift, arguing that the measures devalue the lives of children with disabilities. SPUC Chief Executive John Deighan stated that the focus should remain on supporting both mother and child rather than expanding abortion access.