Poland’s abortion law: What will the new bills change? | Explained
Protests have erupted across Poland as citizens demand the liberalization of the country's strict abortion laws. While the lower house has passed bills to ease restrictions, their enactment remains uncertain due to expected presidential opposition.
Why it matters
The situation underscores the deep social and political divide in Poland regarding reproductive rights and the influence of the Catholic Church on legislation.
Poland’s abortion law: What will the new bills change? | Explained left Women take part in a protest under the slogan "Red Card for the Government" against the lack of changes to abortion laws, in Krakow, Poland, on October 22, 2026. Reuters Reuters https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/9zjhkd/article71615454.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2026-10-22T234026Z_1873875729_RC2G8OADFJHX_RTRMADP_3_POLAND-ABORTION.JPG Jakub Wlodek/Agencja Wyborcza.pl Women take part in a protest under the slogan "Red Card for the Government" against the lack of changes to abortion laws, in Krakow, Poland, October 22, 2026. Jakub Wlodek/Agencja Wyborcza.pl/via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. POLAND OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN POLAND. Poland’s restrictive abortion law faces two new bills aiming to ease limits, amid protests and political uncertainty ahead of elections.
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