On 23 October, MEPs will discuss with the Commission the findings of a UN CEDAW report on Poland’s abortion law that recommends decriminalisation.
According to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Poland’s abortion laws endanger women’s health and lives, cause mental and physical suffering, and constitute a gender-based violation against women. The report highlights that the restrictions have resulted in several preventable deaths and many women being forced to carry unwanted pregnancies to term, to travel abroad to have legal abortions, or seek private and unsafe procedures.
The UN body recommends legalising and decriminalising abortion in Poland. MEPs have called for abortion to be enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and have repeatedly urged the Polish government to swiftly and fully guarantee access to safe, legal and free abortion services for all women.
SOURCE: European Parliament Newsletter, 21-24 October 2024 – Briefing: Strasbourg plenary session. 17 October 2024