Protests in Poland against potential abortion ban

The protest at the parliament buildings was held under the motto “Regaining Choice.” Organisers said some 8,000 people took part.

Protesters wielded banners with slogans such as “Right to abortion, human right.”

“The only aim of an abortion ban is to terrorise and torture women,” said Natalia Broniarczyk, one of the demonstrators.

Almost 3,000 people staged a similar protest in the western city of Poznań, according to police.

Poland’s current abortion laws, which have been in place since 1993, only allow the procedure if a woman's life or health is jeopardised by the continuation of a pregnancy, if the pregnancy is a result of a criminal act such as rape or incest, or if the foetus is seriously malformed.

However, the PRO Foundation (Fundacja Pro) group is gathering signatures for a total ban as part of a so-called citizen's bill. If 100,000 signatures are gathered, the draft legislation can be submitted to parliament.

Last week, the Catholic Church appealed to MPs to pass legislation that would bring about a total ban, and Prime Minister Beata Szydło stated that she favoured the ban.

Nevertheless, it appears that opinions in Poland's ruling conservative Law and Justice party are divided. (pk)

Source: PAP