Abortion is now almost illegal in Poland. The news had the effect of a bomb on Thursday, October 22, 2020. Since then, women and feminists around the world have reacted on the networks.
It’s a shock for women’s rights defenders. On Thursday October 22, 2020, in Poland, the Constitutional Court enacted much tougher restrictions on access to abortion. It is now almost illegal to practice it, as the court has just banned this practice even if the fetus is malformed. Recourse to abortion is therefore only permitted in cases of rape or incest, and if the mother's health is in danger. This decision responds to the wishes of the ruling ultra-Catholic nationalist party.
Many personalities have expressed themselves following this decision. Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic was outraged on Twitter: "Eliminating the grounds for almost all legal abortions in Poland is practically tantamount to banning them and violating human rights. The Constitutional Court ruling implies clandestine and overseas abortions for those who can afford it. is an even greater ordeal for everyone else. It is a sad day for women's rights. " Internet users around the world also share their anger, as well as their support for Polish feminists and all those who will be subjected to these new rules.
In France, on October 8, 2020, the National Assembly voted in favor of a bill to extend the legal deadline from 12 to 14 weeks. If this is a major step forward for women's rights in France, but the Academy of Medicine opposes this bill, proof that this right is never fully acquired.
"Today we stand behind Polish women in the face of abortion restrictions. We continue to help and inform at [email protected]. We are here for you and we are with you."