Poland has a strict abortion law — and many abortions. Lawmakers are now tackling the legislation
By VANESSA GERA
Associated Press
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s parliament is holding a long-awaited debate on liberalizing the country’s strict abortion law. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe. But many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. A 1993 law passed under the influence of the Catholic church bans abortion in most cases. And a 2020 constitutional court ruling prevents abortion in case of fetal abnormalities. New Prime Minister Donald Tusk has vowed to legalize abortion until the 12th week of pregnancy. Conservatives in his coalition government had delayed the debate until now.