A Polish politician, Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, spoke on TVN24 about proposed changes to the conscience clause for doctors, arguing that the provision should be withdrawn. In her role overseeing labor and social policy, she also addressed abortion regulations in the context of her new responsibilities.
During the opening moments of the program Kropka nad i, Dziemianowicz-Bąk stated that she would use the title minister in her new capacity. When asked whether the moment of taking office at the presidential palace moved her, she responded that it was not merely an emotional day, but a signal of a real power shift the country had anticipated for eight years. She described the October 15 ceremony as a moment of completion and renewal.
When the host recalled that former Prime Minister Donald Tusk had referred to her as minister, she clarified that there would be no dogma in her administration and affirmed her intention to present herself as minister to the public.
She then turned the discussion to Grzegorz Braun and the Hanukkah candles incident, emphasizing firm positions on unity and democratic norms. She criticized those who opposed Bosak’s appointment to the Presidium, arguing that the party and the club should disallow any representation associated with undemocratic behavior or violence. Her stance was clear: anti-Semitism and fascism have no place within the group, and solutions should be sought by either integrating Braun within the proper structures or removing Bosak from the presidency.
Regarding Jarosław Kaczyński’s comments about Donald Tusk in the Sejm, she suggested that an ethics committee would be the appropriate venue for addressing such remarks.
Issues facing people with disabilities
Dziemianowicz-Bąk drew attention to problems within the healthcare system for disabled individuals in Poland, noting that several absurdities persist. She argued that if a disability arises from genetic reasons, there should be an accessible path toward improvement, and that the bureaucracy requiring disability assessments must end. Her call was for a decisive change to remove redundant procedures that hinder people in need.
On fertility and access to abortion, she highlighted a range of concerns, stating that women sometimes choose not to become pregnant for many reasons. She criticized what she described as a near-total prohibition on abortion and called for reforms to decriminalize abortion. She linked these issues to broader social uncertainties such as housing shortages and labor market instability, urging stronger protections for women in the workplace and a clear public message that doctors have an obligation to treat and save lives when possible.
She expressed support for removing the conscience clause for doctors, arguing that it should either be eliminated or at least severely restricted. She described the conscience clause as a relic that should disappear from the policy landscape.
Observers have noted the early warnings about a possible leftward shift in the new government, and the discussions continue about what shape Tusk’s cabinet will take and how it will affect policy across the spectrum.
Related commentary suggested that the coalition government may require a substantial reconstruction soon, as political dynamics evolve in the wake of the election results.
The discussion on these reforms and their potential impact illustrates the ongoing debates about civil rights, healthcare access, and gender equality in Poland today. The policy directions under the new administration will be watched closely by both domestic stakeholders and international observers seeking to understand the direction of Polish social and labor policy in the coming years.
Source: wPolityce