Woman laws at Poland
Poland's legal landscape concerning women's rights is characterized by significant restrictions, particularly in areas such as reproductive health and domestic violence. While there have been efforts to address these issues, challenges persist.
⚖️ Abortion Laws
Poland has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe. As of January 2021, abortion is permitted only in the following circumstances:
When the woman's life or health is at risk.
If the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.
In 2020, the Constitutional Tribunal ruled that abortions due to fetal abnormalities were unconstitutional, effectively banning nearly all legal abortions in the country. This decision led to widespread protests and criticism from human rights organizations. In March 2025, activists opened an abortion center in Warsaw to provide a safe space for women seeking abortion pills, challenging the restrictive laws
Efforts to liberalize abortion laws have faced setbacks. In July 2024, a bill to decriminalize abortion assistance was narrowly rejected in parliament, with 218 votes against and 215 in favor. President Andrzej Duda expressed intentions to veto the bill
🛡️ Domestic Violence Laws
Poland has legal provisions to combat domestic violence The Act on Counteracting Domestic Violence (2005) and the Penal Code (Article 207) criminalize physical and psychological abuse within families Penalties range from 3 months to 5 years of imprisonment, with harsher sentences for particularly cruel acts or if the abuse results in a suicidal attempt by the vict In 2023, following the change of government, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the decision to retract the previous administration's motion to examine the compatibility of the Istanbul Convention with the Polish Constitution, signaling a commitment
🔍 Ongoing Challenges
Reproductive Rights Despite efforts to liberalize abortion laws, Poland's near-total ban remains in effect, leading to continued protests and activis
Domestic Violence While legal frameworks exist, challenges remain in ensuring effective implementation and support for victim
International Relations Poland's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention raised concerns about its commitment to international standards on women's rights, though recent actions indicate a reversal of this stanc
RELATED Blog
0 comments