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Whilst seeking to protect the lives of fetuses, the fundamental rights of women are taken away in Poland. In October, a controversial court ruling meant that abortion due to fetal defects was unconstitutional. Abortion is now only permissible in cases of incest, rape and if there is a threat to the woman’s life. Council of Europe member, Dunja Mijatovic, said, “Removing the basis for almost all legal abortions in Poland amounts to a ban and violates human rights. Today’s ruling … means underground/abroad abortions for those can afford and an even greater ordeal for others.”

What are underground abortions?

In the U.K., abortion was illegal and backstreet abortions were common. An estimated 100,000 women were forced to undergo unsafe and illegal abortions in the 1960s. In 1967, the U.K. Abortion Act was introduced after years of campaigning and abortions became legalized. Diana Munday told The Independent, “Women would drink bleach or try to induce a miscarriage. They would have very hot baths, or move heavy furniture, or try to do it themselves with a needle or a crochet hook.” Women often painfully died behind the streets. This is a small insight into what the future looks like for Poland. According to a 2017 study, in countries where abortion is illegal, they cause around 30,000 deaths a year. 

October protests

Protests started almost immediately after the ruling in Warsaw and other major cities. Angry crowds held signs that read, “You Have Blood on Your Hands”. Protestors ignored large gathering bans implemented due to the coronavirus pandemic, instead of agreeing to abide by social distancing measures. As several of Poland’s regions saw their streets fill with protestors, police used pepper spray to try and disperse crowds.

November protests

Nationwide protests continued into November which led to the government delaying the implementation of the law. The country saw one of its largest-ever demonstrations when more than 100,000 gathered in Warsaw, a clear indication of widespread support. President Andrzej Duda, called for a compromise, offering a new proposal: legalizing abortion in cases of life-threatening birth defects but not for a condition such as Down’s syndrome. 

What’s going on today? 

As of January 2021, the policy is in effect. In a near-total ban, women are only permitted abortion for a handful of reasons. Although angered by their newly restricted rights, the people further resent the way the law was handled. Decided by mostly men and judges who are portrayed as loyalists to the conservative government, the ruling was not put before parliamentary or public debate. The livelihoods of many were ultimately dictated by the few. As a result of the sudden publish last week, protests immediately restarted. 

Talking to CNN, Julia, 23 said, “We are here because the new abortion law’s verdict came into force and women became live incubators. The matter is simple to me: I want to have my rights and choice and I think everybody thinks similarly here and we have to support one another.” Poland has witnessed solidarity. Doctors continue to aid where needed, lawyers are helping those detained in protests and non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) are finding access to safe abortions.

Poland already had some of Europe’s toughest abortion laws after the 1993 act came into effect. However, this law doesn’t necessarily restrict all women. Those who have a higher income can travel abroad, often to neighboring European countries to receive the assistance they require. 

Argentina

The situation differs across the globe. In December, Argentina became the third South American country to legalize abortion. President Alberto Fernandez said, “Safe, legal and free abortion is now law … Today we are a better society.” It is difficult to understand how one nation has given women autonomy over their bodies and a month later, another is taking this freedom away.

Find out more about Argentina’s landmark decision here. 

Key Facts

• 1 in 4 pregnancies end in abortion each year

• Making abortion a criminal offense doesn’t stop it

• Access to safe abortion is a matter of human rights

• 45% of all abortions are unsafe

• 4.7% to 13.2% of maternal deaths each year can be tied to unsafe abortion

Forcing women to carry an unwanted full term is emotionally cruel and inhumane and a woman should not be treated as only a vessel. Abortions won’t stop, safe abortions will stop. “I think, I feel, I decide.”