Poland puts new restrictions on abortion into effect, resulting in a near-total ban on terminations

By CNN's Antonia Mortensen and Reuters
Thu January 28, 2021

(CNN)The Polish government has imposed a near-total ban on abortions, including the termination of pregnancies with fetal defects, delivering a major blow to pro-choice advocates in one of Europe's most devout Catholic countries.

The unexpected announcement that the ruling would take effect on Wednesday sparked nationwide protests, despite a ban on gatherings due to Covid-19 restrictions. On Thursday the government extended the restrictions a further two weeks until February 14.

Continued: https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/28/europe/poland-abortion-restrictions-law-intl-hnk/index.html

Poland abortion law: Protesters take to streets again as near-total ban comes into force

By Euronews with AFP, AP
Updated: 28/01/2021

New anti-government protests broke out in Polish cities on Wednesday, shortly after the country's top court confirmed its highly divisive ruling that will further tighten the predominantly Catholic nation’s strict anti-abortion law.

The ban on abortions in nearly all circumstances is to come into effect after the law was published in the Official Gazette on Wednesday.

Continued: https://www.euronews.com/2021/01/27/poland-s-ban-on-most-abortions-to-come-into-force-sparking-fresh-protests

Poland to implement near-total ban on abortion imminently

Move comes three months after original ruling prompted country’s biggest protests in recent history

The Guardian - Shaun Walker, Central and eastern Europe correspondent Wed 27 Jan 2021

A controversial ruling that imposes a near total-ban on abortion in Poland will come into effect imminently, the government has announced, three months after the original ruling prompted the biggest protests in the country’s recent history.

The announcement led protesters to gather again in Warsaw and other cities on Wednesday evening. “We are inviting everyone, please, go out, be motivated, so we can walk together, make a mark,” said protest group leader Marta Lempart.

Continued: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/27/poland-to-implement-near-total-ban-on-abortion-imminently

Police block Warsaw march against abortion ruling, force use

Nov 28, 2020
By: Vanessa Gera, Canadian Press

WARSAW, Poland — Police blocked protesters from marching in Poland's capital as demonstrations took place across the country against an attempt to restrict abortion rights and recent police violence.

Police and protesters played a game of cat and mouse in Warsaw as officers set up cordons which the protesters sought to evade, pushing them to try to regroup elsewhere in the city centre.

Continued: https://www.rmotoday.com/world-news/police-block-warsaw-march-against-abortion-ruling-force-use-3135578

28.11.2020

police brutality against protesters

pro-choice protests

Strajk Kobiet

Women's Rights Roundabout

Poland’s leader wants churches defended, condemns protests

Monika Scislowska, The Associated Press
Published Tuesday, October 27, 2020

WARSAW, POLAND -- Poland's powerful ruling party leader urged his supporters Tuesday to defend the predominantly Catholic nation's churches, potentially setting the stage for clashes with demonstrators angry at a court ruling that severely restricts abortions.

The call Tuesday by Jaroslaw Kaczynski, a conservative, drew strong condemnation from the main opposition head who accused him of deepening the nation's divide, inciting hatred and civil war. Poland's archbishop appealed for calm and respect for churches.

Continued: https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/poland-s-leader-wants-churches-defended-condemns-protests-1.5162376

Poland’s top court rules out abortions due to fetal defects

Monika Scislowska, The Associated Press
Published Thursday, October 22, 2020

WARSAW, POLAND -- Poland's top court ruled Thursday that a law allowing abortion of fetuses with congenital defects is unconstitutional, shutting a major loophole in the predominantly Catholic country's abortion laws that are among the strictest in Europe.

Two judges in the 13-member constitutional Court did not back the majority ruling. Activists deplored the decision, and the Council of Europe's human rights commissioner wrote on Twitter that it was a "sad day for women's rights."

Continued: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/poland-s-top-court-rules-out-abortions-due-to-fetal-defects-1.5156017