Polish Parliament Votes to Ease Strict Abortion Ban Restrictions

Poland's parliament voted to ease abortion restrictions, but faces an expected presidential veto.

Poland's lower house of parliament approved legislation to permit abortions in cases of foetal abnormalities and decriminalise help in obtaining the procedure. The move challenges the restrictive near-total ban implemented by the previous administration. Lawmakers now face an anticipated presidential veto from the conservative head of state.

• The legislationLawmakers voted to allow abortion for foetal abnormalities and remove criminal penalties for helping individuals secure an abortion.
• The oppositionPresident Karol Nawrocki is aligned with the conservative party responsible for the previous restrictive clampdown and is expected to veto the bills.
• The backgroundA previous government administration introduced a near-total abortion ban five years ago that sparked widespread public protests across the country.