Rightwing lawmakers are pushing ahead with a near-total ban on abortion in devoutly Catholic Poland, while rejecting a rival bid to liberalise an existing law which is already among the most restrictive in Europe. The citizen’s initiative tabled in parliament by the Stop Abortion coalition would also make mothers liable to prison terms, though judges could waive punishment. Tabled by the Save Women pro-choice coalition, it would have allowed abortion until the 12th week of pregnancy. Although the PiS generally favours banning abortion, its leaders are well aware that most Poles support the existing legislation. Stop this crackdown on abortion in Poland | Krystyna Kacpura Read moreA poll published this week by the Newsweek Polska magazine showed that 74% of Poles want to keep the existing law.

Source: The Guardian September 23, 2016 13:33 UTC