Polish MPs set to discuss morning-after pill with the president
Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Włodzimierz Czarzasty stated that MPs from the left will meet with the president on Tuesday to discuss the law regarding the morning-after pill. He stressed that this meeting would be an opportunity to present arguments to Andrzej Duda and argue the case on this issue.
The amendment to the Pharmaceutical Law, which would allow access to the morning-after pill without a prescription for individuals over 15, was approved by the Senate without amendments on March 6 and is currently awaiting the president’s decision.
“Last chance”
New Left co-chairman Włodzimierz Czarzasty told TVN24 on Monday evening that MPs from the left would meet President Duda on Tuesday to discuss the morning-after pill. He noted that this could be the last or one of the last opportunities, given deadlines and the chance for the president to present arguments and advocate on this matter.
In his remarks, he said the group aims to ensure that the morning-after pill is regulated by law rather than by regulation.
“The law provides stability. The arrangement can always be withdrawn,” he emphasized.
The amendment to the pharmaceutical law, which would make ulipristal acetate available to people over 15, passed the Senate without amendments on March 6. The legislation was then sent to the president, who has 21 days to sign the law, veto it, or refer it to the Constitutional Court.
In mid-March, President Andrzej Duda stated he would not sign a bill he described as introducing unhealthy, sick, and dangerous rules for children. He argued that the morning-after pill should remain available by prescription, and in cases involving girls, the decision should rest with parents.
Possible veto override?
Last week, Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna announced that if the president does not sign the law, a regulation would regulate the issue, applying to pharmacists. She added that the pill would be available from May 1.
The morning-after pills have been prescription-only in Poland since July 2017. They are used as emergency contraception after unprotected intercourse or when other methods fall short, preventing fertilization by blocking or delaying ovulation and not terminating an existing pregnancy.
(Source: wPolityce; report through PAP)