Poland's President Vetoes Morning-After Pill Access Law

President Andrzej Duda vetoed a law allowing over-the-counter access to the morning-after pill for ages 15 and above, citing health concerns for minors.

Poland's President Andrzej Duda vetoed a proposed law that would have allowed girls and women aged 15 and above to access the morning-after pill over-the-counter.
The veto reflects Duda's concerns for the health of minors and the voices of parents, keeping the pill prescription-only.
The law was seen as a step towards liberalizing Poland's strict reproductive regulations, among Europe's most restrictive.
In response to the veto, Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna announced a 'Plan B' to issue directives allowing pharmacists to provide prescriptions.
Abortion in Poland is legal only under specific conditions, contributing to a chilling effect on doctors and leading to deaths of women with troubled pregnancies.