Polish Prime Minister Faces Obstacles in Changing Abortion Law

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk acknowledges lacking parliamentary support to change the country's restrictive abortion laws. Despite his campaign promise to allow abortion up to 12 weeks, opposition within his coalition hinders progress. Meanwhile, the government aims to ease restrictions via procedural changes. Poland remains deeply divided on abortion issues.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has admitted lacking the necessary backing in parliament to amend the country's stringent abortion laws, which rank among the toughest in Europe.

Under his leadership since December, Tusk's coalition, spanning a wide ideological spectrum, faces internal conflict. Lawmakers on the left advocate for legalized abortion, whereas conservatives staunchly oppose it. Despite promising to permit abortion up to the 12th week during his campaign, Tusk concedes this goal is unattainable until the next elections.

"There will be no majority in this parliament for legal abortion, in the full sense of the word, until the next elections. Let's not kid ourselves,'' Tusk remarked on Friday when questioned about the matter. The administration is now focused on implementing new procedures in prosecutors' offices and hospitals to mitigate some de facto restrictions. Poland's abortion law only allows the procedure in cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening scenarios. Recent curtailments sparked significant protests, and women continue to seek alternative methods, such as abortion pills or going abroad.

(With inputs from agencies.)