Donald Tusk announces “another attempt” to change abortion law. What does his declaration mean?

In the mediate of the political half of the current term, Prime Minister Donald Tusk returned to 1 of the most dividing topics in Poland – the issue of abortion. During a gathering with residents of Piotrków Trybunalski, he announced that his government would "take another attempt" on the liberalisation of abortion rules.

Donald Tusk recalled that his goal was to guarantee "the safety of women in the hospital" and "the right to legal abortion by Week 12". He stressed that the ruling coalition would be able to support this direction of change.

"I understood that there was no majority in the Sejm. We lost the vote. I am incapable to convince any members of the coalition to go this way," the Prime Minister said.

It's about the July vote on the Left's task to decriminalize abortion by Week 12. This task did not receive a majority – despite the government's earlier announcement of "solving the women's problem".

The consequence of that vote was not random. He showed that the majority of Polish society inactive does not support abortion “on request”. This is not a "desire democracy", as any would like, but its expression – a parliamentary decision reflecting the convictions of a large part of citizens.

What does the law say? The protection of life is the foundation of the state

Since the judgement of the Constitutional Court of 2020, in Poland only 2 conditions apply: erstwhile pregnancy poses a threat to the life or wellness of a female and erstwhile it is the consequence of a prohibited act. The removal of the alleged eugenic condition was not accidental – the Court clearly stated that the life of the conceived kid is subject to constitutional protection, regardless of its state of health.

This decision comes straight from Article 38 of the Polish Constitution: "The Republic of Poland provides everyone with legal protection of life".

As early as 1997, the Court stressed that in a democratic state, human life must "be protected constitutionally at all phase of development".

Those words inactive sound real. There is no "right to abortion" – there is simply a right to life, which is the basis of all another human rights.

"I have agreed with the Minister" – can the Prime Minister change the law outside the Sejm?

The Prime Minister acknowledged that, despite the deficiency of a parliamentary majority, he had "agreed" with erstwhile wellness Minister Isabella Leschina to "use all possible provisions" to mitigate the practice of abortion law. Among another things, recommendations and regulations intended to "remove the fear of doctors" from criminal responsibility.

However, this approach raises serious constitutional concerns. In a democratic state of law, no regulation can stand above the law. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister seems to propose that even without legislative changes, it is possible to actually extend the conditions for abortion – which would be circumventing the will of the Sejm and the applicable law.

The “mental condition” alternatively of “mental health” – a fresh abortion gateway?

The Prime Minister said that if a doctor considers that "pregnancy can endanger the wellness and intellectual wellness of a woman", this is simply a prerequisite for abortion.

The problem is that the word "mental conditioning" does not appear in any legal act. It is out of focus and can mean anything – from stress to temporary temper depression. It could thus become a gateway to applicable legalising abortion on request, even though formally the law would stay unchanged.

Experts point out that this would be an extension of the explanation of the rules in a way that is without legal basis and so contrary to the regulation of law.

Democracy and conscience – 2 sides of 1 truth

Donald Tusk's message shows how hard and delicate the subject of abortion remains in Poland. The Prime Minister, disappointed by the deficiency of a majority, present puts herself as a spokesperson for minorities, 1 who demands that abortion be legalised "if necessary".

However, actual democracy is not only a vote, but besides the protection of those who cannot defend themselves. In this sense, Polish law, although criticized by leftist communities, maintains consistency with the rule of respect for the dignity and life of all man.

Need care, not more laws

Instead of “another attempt” to liberalise abortion, many Poles anticipate real actions from the government for families and mothers – better perinatal care, support for parents of children with disabilities, intellectual and financial assistance.

It is in this direction – not towards facilitating abortion – that a modern, empathic state should be heading.

As many bioethics recall, the civilization of life begins with the designation that all human life has value, regardless of age, wellness or the circumstances of its conception.

Abortion in Poland – a subject that returns like a boomerang

Prime Minister Donald Tusk's words that he will "take another attempt" to change abortion law can announce another wave of disputes and emotions that will divide Poles again.

However, the past of fresh years leaves no illusions – despite media and political pressures, most of our society does not accept abortion.

Throughout Poland, we can see the increasing movement of people who bravely stand up for life – they organize marches, campaigns and social actions, reminding that all life has value and meaning.

This is not the voice of anger, but the voice of work and love, which speaks clearly: actual advancement is the 1 who protects and does not destroy.

Therefore, despite political disputes and ideological divisions, Poland remains on the side of life, faithful to values that have built its identity and moral strength for centuries.

jb
Source: basins.pl