Poland’s parliament votes to ease abortion ban but faces likely veto from president
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The gist
Poland's lower house voted to allow abortion for fetal abnormalities and decriminalise helping women obtain one.
The bills now face President Karol Nawrocki, who has signalled he will block liberalisation.
Background
Poland is a predominantly Catholic country whose near-total abortion ban took effect in 2021, after the Constitutional Tribunal ruled that terminating a pregnancy due to fetal abnormalities was unconstitutional; the ban set off mass protests. Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pro-European coalition won the 2023 election partly on a promise to ease those restrictions. Nearly three years into its term, the lower chamber has now passed two bills, but President Karol Nawrocki, described as opposition-aligned and nationalist, has indicated he will block any liberalisation in this area.
How it unfolded
- 2021Poland introduced a near-total abortion ban after the Constitutional Tribunal ruled terminations due to fetal abnormalities unconstitutional; the ban sparked mass protests.
- 2023The pro-European coalition led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk won the election, partly on a promise to ease abortion restrictions.
- Oct 20, 2026Poland's lower house of parliament voted to allow abortion in cases of fetal abnormalities and to decriminalise providing help in getting an abortion, approving two bills.
- Oct 20, 2026The vote marked a breakthrough for Tusk's coalition nearly three years after it took power, though the measures face a likely presidential veto.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Government equality commissioner Katarzyna Kotula said the state trusts women, noting a woman who terminates her own pregnancy is already exempt from criminal punishment and arguing it is time to stop punishing those who support her choice.
- Campaigners
- Campaigners said the measures would remove some penalties for those helping women access abortion but described them as a small-scale step.
Still unverified
A presidential veto is described as likely or almost certain, not as having occurred.