Poland's Government to Legalize Abortion and Allow Free Sale of Contraceptives

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced plans to present a bill to the Polish Sejm that would legalize artificial termination of pregnancy up to the 12th week. This medical intervention has been banned in the country since 1993, as reported by RTVI.

Tusk emphasized that there are still "diverse opinions" within his coalition on this matter. The Prime Minister clarified that consultations have been organized between representatives of the Sejm and women's organizations to reach a consensus.

Additionally, Tusk has raised the urgent issue of emergency contraception. Amendments have been made to the pharmaceutical law, which the Polish government has already sent to parliament. According to the changes, girls aged 15 and older will be able to purchase such medications over the counter without a prescription.

"This is the most common solution in the European Union that will ensure universal access to emergency contraception for all those who have so far found it mainly inaccessible," Tusk added.

The Polish Ministry of Health has called the changes regarding emergency contraception a "major milestone."

"We are returning to women the right to make their own decisions about their bodies. … We are taking care of women's health and rights," the ministry wrote on its X page (formerly Twitter).

Under current legislation, abortion in Poland is only permitted in two cases: after rape and for medical reasons.