Polish Groups Calling For Abortion Ban Might Succeed In Curbing Some Women's Rights, Abortion Rights Advocates Say

Although an alliance of conservative politicians and religious leaders in Poland likely will not be able to pass a ban on all abortions in the country, some abortion rights advocates think the alliance's campaign could be successful in curbing some women's rights, Reuters reports. According to Reuters, the alliance -- which wants to modify the constitution to add that there is a right to "life protection from the moment of conception" -- includes the League of Polish Families, which is part of a coalition of parties governing the country. Abortion is banned in Poland under a 1993 law, but the procedure is legal when it endangers the health or life of the pregnant woman, when the infant is likely to suffer permanent disabilities or when pregnancy is the result of a crime, such as rape or incest. A survey conducted in November found that three out of four Poles said abortion was either "acceptable under some conditions" or "in any circumstances," while 18% said they were completely against the procedure, Reuters reports. Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski of the Law and Justice Party said he is reluctant to change abortion laws, adding that they are "a compromise that is better not discussed." The conservative alliance has obtained parliamentary approval for a program that restricts access to contraception. Specific details of the program have not been published, but some officials say the program will require warnings of side effects to be printed on contraceptive packages. The government also has agreed to instruct the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to encourage schools next year to teach only "natural" family planning methods, Reuters reports. Wanda Nowicka, head of the Polish Federation for Women's Rights and Family Planning, said she is concerned about women's rights being restricted, adding, "Anything is possible given the changes in politics at the moment" (Baczynska, Reuters, 12/13).

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