At a post-cabinet press briefing, the Prime Minister announced that the access issue for the morning-after pill had been finalized and that the draft legislation would be sent to the Sejm for consideration. He asserted that the drug should be widely available to interested individuals.
The bill regarding the morning-after pill is submitted to the Sejm
To remove doubt, the plan ensures free access for anyone aged 15 and older. Emergency contraception will be obtainable without a prescription for this age group, with Ella One identified as the specific medication addressed by the law.
The Prime Minister noted that the medication works to prevent fertilization, clarifying that it is not a first-trimester abortion pill, a distinction that has sparked debate in various circles. The emphasis is on pregnancy prevention rather than termination.
For individuals under 15, a prescription remains required. This approach aligns with a model already common across many EU countries and aims to restore universal access to emergency contraception for those who previously could not obtain it. The government suggested that understanding the mechanism involves a focus on timing, as delaying access often meant the option was effectively unavailable in many Polish settings.
The Prime Minister reiterated these points at the press conference.
Tusk again on the president’s veto
The politician acknowledged the rare chance of a presidential veto and discussed the possibility in this case as well, underscoring a desire for smooth parliamentary passage and presidential approval without major objections or blockages.
The law is straightforward, essentially altering one minor provision in the existing statute. There is hope that debates in Parliament and the subsequent stage before the president’s desk will proceed without notable resistance, enabling broad access to the medication for those who need it most.
The discussion did not dwell on potential adverse effects, with the focus instead on access and practical implications for women’s health and autonomy.
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– A discussion by a left-wing member of parliament detailing personal experience with access during overseas work and related legal questions
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