Polish Parliament Advances Legislation to Liberalize Abortion Laws

In a significant move, Polish lawmakers voted to proceed with four bills aimed at easing the country's strict abortion regulations.

Polish Sejm votes to continue work on four bills to liberalize abortion laws, including proposals allowing abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk supports the changes, citing a need to protect women's fundamental rights, amidst a coalition with mixed views on the issue.
Activists express cautious optimism but anticipate challenges ahead, including a potential presidential veto from conservative President Andrzej Duda.
Public demonstrations and church calls for prayer highlight the deep societal divide on abortion rights in Poland.
The bills represent the first significant legislative effort to ease abortion restrictions since a 1996 attempt, reflecting a shift in public opinion and political climate.