Polish political debate centers on decriminalization and safe abortion access
During a recent radio interview, the vice president of the Civic Coalition, Marzena Okła-Drewnowicz, outlined the party’s stance on urgent health care reforms. She noted that some measures can be implemented quickly, such as perinatal care improvements and emergency contraception without a prescription, while agreeing that legal, safe abortion up to the twelfth week of pregnancy requires more time and deliberation.
Okła-Drewnowicz was asked about the proposal to include one of the ten or so key reforms proposed for the first 100 days, specifically the legalization of abortion up to twelve weeks, in the event of a presidential veto by Andrzej Duda. She emphasized that decriminalization is a crucial first step, and that the commitment remains to provide safe, legal abortion within that timeframe.
She also reminded listeners that a presidential veto does not absolve legislators of their duties. There is a need to draft a bill and, beyond that, to persuade the president to consider the voters’ will seriously. In her words, political action must involve pressure on the president to move forward with the agenda that many Poles supported at the polls.
When queried about advancing the reform despite the president’s strong opposition, Okła-Drewnowicz suggested postponing the initial bill while keeping options open. She warned that political reality holds many possible paths, and stressed that initial talks would aim to secure a coalition majority supported by the electorate.
The discussion also touched on her recent remarks about women’s rights appearing to be the easiest reforms to implement. She clarified that certain measures could be carried out quickly, including perinatal care improvements, rapid access to comprehensive prenatal testing, better anesthesia during childbirth, and emergency contraception without a prescription. She acknowledged that full legalization of abortion up to twelve weeks is not an overnight fix, but she believes some targeted steps could be achieved rapidly.
Regarding government formation, Okła-Drewnowicz stated that there are no ongoing discussions about joining the government at this time, emphasizing a straightforward stance and a focus on parliamentary work in the Sejm.
The deputy leader also addressed ongoing social policy questions, including pensions and family benefits. She asserted that promises about maintaining existing benefits should be kept, and argued that social policy should add improvements without removing what has already been established as beneficial for families across the country.
She recalled the coalition’s proposal to index pensions again should inflation surpass five percent. The plan envisions a first adjustment in spring and a second in autumn, with a bill ready to submit within the first hundred days. Asked whether the 800-plus low-income support should stay unchanged, she answered affirmatively, arguing that families now rely on these benefits amid high prices and inflation.
Okła-Drewnowicz stressed that the law for these protections is already in force and will take effect on January first of the following year. The discussion included a note on inflation trends and how they influence budgeting for families, alongside a commitment to continuity and responsibility in social policy.
In summary, the conversation painted a picture of a staged approach: roll out practical, immediate health gains while pursuing longer term reforms through steady legislative work and coalition-building. The strategy seeks to align policy with voter expectations while navigating the realities of political processes and constitutional checks.
The interview concluded with reflections on the importance of keeping social commitments intact and continuing to press for reforms that would support families, health care access, and fair economic protections across the electorate.
Source materials indicate that the discussion was carried on a broadcast channel and covered by multiple outlets, reflecting ongoing interest in the topic of abortion policy, social benefits, and health care reforms in the country.