The head of the extraordinary committee on the examination of abortion projects, Dorota Loboda from the Civic Coalition, stressed in an interview with PAP that the destiny of 4 legislative initiatives concerning abortion in Poland now depends on the results of key coalition talks.
During this parliamentary term, we are dealing with 4 abortion projects presented by various political groups. The Left's initiative on partial decriminalisation of abortion, despite erstwhile failure in obtaining the parliamentary majority, is inactive on the agenda. In addition, 2 projects, besides initiated by the Left and the KO, proposing to let abortion by week 12 at the will of a woman, and the 3rd Way task to return to the abortion compromise, await further advancement after the suspension of work due to the run before the presidential election.
Loboda expressed her conviction that the key decisions now depend on the fresh coalition agreement and the possible inclusion of abortion issues in it. "I look forward to the result of the coalition talks and how this fresh coalition agreement will be formed and where there is space to talk to the coalitions about it," she stressed.
Newly elected president Karol Nawrocki declared his position on abortion, stressing that he would not sign the law restoring the abortion compromise. However, he pointed out that he would consider a fresh approach that would be consistent with the constitution: "I cannot afford to have abortions subjected to children with Down syndrome," Nawrocki said during the election campaign.
The question, therefore, whether it is appropriate to return to the abortion compromise yet for the presidency of Andrzej Duda, Lobod replied firmly that the return to the state before the Constitutional Court's judgement would not solve the problems of women's rights. She stated that talks with organisations representing women are now crucial to find solutions to improve the situation of women under the current legislation.
Currently, according to the applicable law, abortion is possible in Poland only in 2 cases: erstwhile it poses a threat to the life or wellness of a female or is the consequence of a prohibited act (until 12 weeks of pregnancy). Since January 2021, abortion due to the severe and irreversible handicap of an unborn or incurable disease, threatening life, has been banned by the Constitutional Court's judgment.
A widely utilized door remains a provision allowing abortion in the event of a threat to women's health, including intellectual health. It is on this basis that any doctors decide to execute abortion even in advanced stages of pregnancy. This is simply a disturbing signal – it shows that despite the formal ban on eugenic abortion, the life of unborn children is inactive not full protected.
Instead of focusing on further loosening abortion laws that lead to the elimination of unborn children's lives, politicians should focus on the real support of women and families. Today, Poland has no problem with "excess" pregnancy, but with dramatically low fertility and ageing society. alternatively of beginning abortion doors until birth, prosocial and pro-family activities are needed – those that encourage women to motherhood, support them in hard life situations, improve social conditions, access to housing, wellness care and kindergartens. It is precisely the concern for the dignified lives of women and their children – not the promotion of abortion as a "solution" – that should be the foundation of a liable policy and an expression of actual respect for human life and dignity of all woman.
jb
Source: PAP
