Poland’s transition from communist rule to western democracy began in 1989 with their first free parliamentary elections since the 1920s. This meant that Polish citizens’ religious liberties, as well as freedoms surrounding cultural, artistic and political expression, were restored. However, this also led to the rise of the Catholic Church, which allowed conservative ideologies to infiltrate Poles’ social ideals and political system. This is exemplified by Poland’s abortion laws now being some of the strictest in Europe after decades of liberal legislation under communism.
Abortion is now only allowed under 3 circumstances: in cases of rape and incest, if the woman’s life or health is at risk and if the foetus is severely or irreversibly disabled. The final reason accounts for the majority of Poland’s legal abortions, as in cases of rape and incest solid proof or documentation is needed, which is often not possible. Now, the Catholic Church, the current governing party (PiS) and many people’s initiatives are looking to remove the right to abortion in cases of serious foetal defects too. On 22 October 2020, their wishes almost materialised when Poland’s constitutional court ruled that abortions in cases of severe foetal abnormalities were unlawful. The implementation of this ruling has been delayed due to the largest protests the country has seen since the fall of communism, which demonstrates the cruciality of activism at this current moment.
Written by Madeline Harding
Artwork by Zara Masood
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