Thousands of people in Poland call for easing abortion law
Kyiv • UNN
Thousands of people in Warsaw are demanding a relaxation of the abortion law after the parliament rejected a bill. Human rights groups call for nationwide protests against the restrictive legislation.
Two weeks after the failed vote to liberalize abortion rights in Poland, hundreds of people protested yesterday. Polish women's rights groups also called for nationwide protests. Writes UNN with reference to Euronews.
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A protest was held in Warsaw against the rejection by the parliament of a proposal aimed at changing the law on abortion. The action took place on the day of the final session of the Sejm before the start of the summer vacation.
A week ago, the lower house of parliament rejected a bill to decriminalize abortion, under which anyone who helps a woman terminate her pregnancy would not face criminal prosecution. Earlier, the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk made plans to change the law on abortion a campaign promise.
Currently, Polish human rights groups have called for nationwide protests.
At the rally yesterday, medical student Maria Kozlovska said she was very angry.
The ruling coalition won thanks to women, and now they are letting us down again
Thousands of protesters outside the parliament in Warsaw demanded “free and legal abortions” in the scorching heat. At the same time, a few counter-demonstrators, who were fenced off by police, insulted the participants, calling them “murderers.
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Poland is predominantly Catholic and has one of the most restrictive abortion rights in Europe. Termination of pregnancy is only allowed in cases of rape or incest, as well as in cases where the woman's life is in danger. Assisting in an abortion can result in up to three years in prison.
