Poland's New Ruling Coalition Moves to Expand Reproductive Rights, Reversing Restrictive Measures
Poland's new ruling coalition is working to reverse restrictive reproductive measures, making the morning-after pill available over the counter in a move towards greater reproductive rights and democratic standards.
In a victory for reproductive rights, Poland's new ruling coalition has moved to reverse restrictive measures put in place by the previous government in 2017, which required the morning-after pill to be obtained with a prescription. The decision, approved by the cabinet on Wednesday, aims to make emergency contraception available over the counter for women over 15 years of age, in line with recommendations from the European Medicines Agency. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who leads the ruling Civic Coalition, has committed to easing restrictions on both emergency contraception and abortion access.
The draft legislation to restore prescription-free emergency contraception will now be sent to parliament, with hopes that it will be supported and signed into law by the president. The move comes as part of a wider effort by Tusk's government to roll back controversial policies implemented by the previous Law and Justice (PiS) party government, including strict abortion regulations. Tusk has also pledged to introduce legislation legalizing abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy. The reversal of the restrictive measures is a significant victory for pro-EU and progressive parties following their majority win in the October 15 election, which ended eight years of PiS rule.
The previous government's policies, backed by the powerful Polish Catholic Church, had sparked widespread protests and drawn criticism from the European Union over concerns about democratic standards and reproductive rights. However, Tusk's push for reform is not without challenges. Conservative President Andrzej Duda, who can veto laws, is allied with the PiS and pardoned two convicted former government ministers on Wednesday.
Additionally, the government's efforts to reform state-owned media outlets and the judiciary, in line with EU standards, are also facing obstacles. Despite these challenges, the ruling coalition remains committed to addressing reproductive rights and democratic standards in Poland, signaling a significant shift in the nation's political landscape.
