In a move that has sparked controversy, Polish President Andrzej Duda vetoed legislation that would have allowed individuals as young as 15 to access the morning-after pill. The government had already announced plans to enable pharmacists to prescribe the pill, bypassing the need for a legislative change. However, in response to the anticipated veto, these plans were put on hold and the bill was returned to Parliament for reevaluation.
The justification for the veto was based on child health protection standards. This decision reflects Poland’s ongoing debates about reproductive rights and its strict laws surrounding abortion, which is only permitted in cases of rape or incest, or when the mother’s life is at risk. These cultural and legal factors have influenced discussions around access to contraception and reproductive health in Poland.
As of 2017, access to emergency contraceptive methods with a medical prescription was all that was available in Poland. The country’s strong Catholic tradition has shaped its views on reproductive health and has led to strict limitations on abortion. This context has influenced discussions around access to contraception and reproductive rights in Poland.
The decision to veto legislation expanding access to the morning-after pill highlights these broader social considerations and ongoing debates about reproductive rights in Poland. It is clear that this issue remains contentious and will continue to be a topic of discussion in the country.