Poland today took a step toward relaxing abortion rules after a parliamentary commission recommended decriminalizing the practice within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
The former ruling far-right Law and Justice party, which led the country for eight years until last October, tightened Poland's abortion rules to a near-total ban in 2020 - abortions are only allowed in cases of rape or incest, or if a woman's life is in danger.
Poland's new government, led by former European Council President Donald Tusk, is trying to steer the country's laws in a more liberal direction, including easing abortion rules, but divisions within the coalition have slowed progress.
Today, the committee adopted one of the proposals and recommended that parliament fully decriminalize abortion care during the first 12 weeks. The Polish Parliament will now consider the proposal later this year.
The former ruling far-right Law and Justice party, which led the country for eight years until last October, tightened Poland's abortion rules to a near-total ban in 2020 - abortions are only allowed in cases of rape or incest, or if a woman's life is in danger.
Poland's new government, led by former European Council President Donald Tusk, is trying to steer the country's laws in a more liberal direction, including easing abortion rules, but divisions within the coalition have slowed progress.
Today, the committee adopted one of the proposals and recommended that parliament fully decriminalize abortion care during the first 12 weeks. The Polish Parliament will now consider the proposal later this year.