Poland’s President Andrzej Duda vetoed a law allowing over-the-counter access to the morning-after pill for girls and women ages 15 and above. He expressed concerns about the health of minors and the opinions of parents. Duda sent the law back to parliament but indicated he was open to a debate on free access to the hormonal contraception pill for those aged 18 and above. The decision to veto the law was made despite the previous parliament’s approval, as part of the new pro-European Union government’s plans to liberalize Poland’s restrictive reproductive regulations.
The law vetoed by Duda was intended to be the first step towards the liberalization of Poland’s reproductive regulations, which are among the most restrictive in Europe. The previous conservative government had implemented these regulations, which led to massive street protests. Duda’s veto means that the morning-after pill, known as ellaOne, which prevents pregnancy but is not an abortion pill, remains available only by prescription. Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna announced a “Plan B,” which will allow pharmacists to issue the required prescriptions. This plan will be discussed publicly before implementation.
Abortion in Poland, a predominantly Roman Catholic country, is legal only in cases where the pregnancy threatens a woman’s health or life, or results from rape. The strict laws surrounding abortion have had a significant impact on Poland’s healthcare system, with doctors facing challenges in providing safe care to pregnant women. This has led to a number of deaths of women with complicated pregnancies. The veto of the law regarding the morning-after pill raises questions about the future of reproductive rights in Poland, as it indicates a shift towards conservative values rather than liberalization.
President Duda’s decision to veto the law came as a surprise to many, given the previous government’s efforts to liberalize reproductive regulations in Poland. The move was met with criticism from supporters of reproductive rights, who argued that the morning-after pill should be more accessible to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Duda’s concerns about the health of minors and parental opinions influenced his decision, showing a shift towards more conservative values in the country. The government’s proposed “Plan B” to allow pharmacists to issue prescriptions for the morning-after pill aims to address some of the concerns raised by Duda’s veto.
The debate on reproductive rights in Poland continues as the country grapples with the implications of President Duda’s veto of the morning-after pill law. The decision highlights the ongoing struggle between conservative and liberal forces in the country, with differing views on access to contraception and abortion. The veto raises concerns about the future of reproductive rights in Poland and the impact it will have on women’s healthcare. As the government considers alternative measures to address the issue of access to the morning-after pill, the public and policymakers must engage in a discussion to find a solution that balances the needs of individuals with broader societal values.
