Controversy Over Abortion Law in Poland... Constitutional Court Rules "Abortions for Fetal Defects Unconstitutional" vs Protesters Say "Violation of Women's Rights"

On the 23rd (local time), Polish protesters condemning the ruling that 'abortions for fetal abnormalities are unconstitutional' [Photo by AP, Yonhap News file photo]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] As the Polish Constitutional Tribunal ruled that abortion due to fetal abnormalities is unconstitutional, protests condemning the decision continued for the second day across the country.

On the 23rd (local time), according to local media including the AP news agency, about 15,000 protesters, mainly young women, gathered holding signs saying "This is war now." and "You have made hell for women." They surrounded the residence of Jarosław Kaczy?ski, leader of the ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS), demanding his resignation.

At the protest sites, most participants wore masks amid fears of COVID-19 spread as they took to the streets. It is also reported that many men joined to oppose the conservative government.

The Polish Constitutional Tribunal stated the day before, "Deciding on abortion based on health criteria violates the right to life and equality," and ruled the law permitting abortion unconstitutional, saying, "Selecting fetuses with disabilities for abortion is no different from Nazi eugenics."

Polish protesters opposing abortion restrictions [EPA=Yonhap News]

According to this decision, abortion in Poland is only allowed in cases of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest, or when the health of the pregnant woman is at risk. Previously, abortion was permitted for fetuses with abnormalities, but this ruling overturned that.

This ruling effectively strengthens the ruling right-wing nationalist PiS party.

PiS has long pushed for legislation banning abortion due to fetal abnormalities. Andrzej Duda, the president supported by this group, also advocated for a total ban on abortion during his presidential campaign in June.

Meanwhile, despite Poland recording over 13,600 new COVID-19 cases on the day, breaking its highest record, it did not dampen the protesters' fervor. The Polish government plans to tighten control by banning gatherings of more than five people starting on the 24th, but even larger protests are scheduled for the 26th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.