Poland's parliament votes to ease near-total abortion ban

· Politics · Poland

Poland's lower house of parliament approved two bills aimed at loosening the country's near-total ban on abortion, which campaigners described as a "small-scale step." The measures would remove some penalties for people helping women access abortion. The bills now face a likely veto from the president. Protests calling for further change are expected. The vote is the latest test of the socially conservative government's stance on reproductive rights.

Why it matters:The vote tests how far Poland's conservative leadership will move on reproductive rights, a flashpoint across Europe.

Key points

  • Two bills passed the lower house.
  • They would remove some penalties for helping women obtain abortions.
  • A presidential veto is likely.

Sources (original reporting)

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