Pro-life march in Polish capital

Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz said: “We don't defend human life because that is what the gospel says. Not even because it's the fifth commandment [...] We defend life, because it is a fundamental value for everyone. It is the foundation of human dignity.”

Bishop Henryk Hoser expressed regret that the right to protect the lives of unborn children is still not absolute and unconditional within Polish law.

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.

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

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

Many in Poland have protested the potential ban, with several marches and rallies being organised in support of a separation between church and politics. (rg/pk)