In an effort to facilitate access to abortion for women requiring the procedure for health-related reasons, the government of Poland is set to release guidelines to doctors on Friday. These guidelines reaffirm the legality of such procedures, provided they are based on medical recommendations.
While abortions for health reasons are currently permitted under Polish law, the previous conservative government had restricted certain qualifying circumstances. This move had sparked widespread protests and increased doctors' reluctance to perform abortions due to fears of prosecution.
Although Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government had aimed to liberalize the law to allow abortions up to the 12th week of pregnancy, the proposal narrowly missed the necessary support in parliament. As a result, the government is exploring alternative avenues to enhance abortion access.
During a news conference, Prime Minister Tusk emphasized the government's commitment to addressing the issue, stating, 'We do not remain inactive on the subject of making it possible for women in early pregnancy to access legal abortion for various reasons.'
The forthcoming guidelines from the Health Ministry stress that a recommendation from a single specialist doctor, such as a cardiologist, endocrinologist, or psychiatrist, is sufficient grounds for a woman to undergo a legal abortion in a hospital. Furthermore, the performing doctor will not be held liable for prosecution.
Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna highlighted that currently, many doctors and hospitals do not adhere to the regulations permitting early abortions based on a single doctor's opinion, often delaying the process unnecessarily.
Presently, abortion in Poland is allowed only in cases where the pregnancy results from a crime like rape or incest, or if the woman's health or life is at risk. In all other scenarios, doctors or individuals aiding in procuring an abortion could face up to three years in prison, while the woman seeking the procedure will not be prosecuted.
In a controversial move in 2020, a court influenced by the previous right-wing government eliminated a provision allowing for the termination of pregnancy due to severe, irreparable defects of the fetus. This decision triggered widespread protests across the country.
