Third Way Plans on Abortion Regulation Highlight Referrals to 2020 Rules and a Referendum
The deputy prime minister and PSL president outlined an expectation that the Third Way project addressing abortion will be submitted within about ten days. He noted that the initiative is being developed with the intention to pair it with a referendum request, signaling a dual approach to reform.
Advocates emphasized that women’s safety is a priority and that practical steps should be taken immediately. They argued that tangible actions must be taken now, and that the coalition should back the proposal as soon as possible.
During an appearance on television, the coalition leader stressed readiness to act promptly if there is a clear signal from allies to adopt the bill, stating that he would be prepared to proceed tomorrow if such a signal exists. He added that a lack of a signal from key partners currently prevents faster progress.
Asked about the timing, he reiterated the intention to submit the project within approximately ten days, underscoring the commitment to move forward with the plan.
The deputy prime minister explained that the effort is designed to be paired with a referendum request, noting that support from coalition partners is essential and that enthusiasm from some partners has yet to materialize.
According to the PSL leader, the Third Way concept—an alliance between PSL and Poland 2050—centers on two steps: first, submitting a bill to restore the abortion regulations in effect before the 2020 Constitutional Court ruling, and second, calling a referendum to let the public decide on the issue.
Earlier, Szymon Hołownia, the Sejm speaker and Poland 2050 leader, indicated that his group favored returning to the pre-ruling framework as quickly as possible. He added that the proposed changes would be clear and accessible to everyone, with legislators working on a bill that would differ from the challenged act while driving a positive shift.
Hołownia also mentioned that a draft resolution on the referendum would accompany the bill. In this framework, a referendum could be conducted by resolution rather than by law, representing a slightly different legislative route while forming part of a combined package.
Regarding the referendum question, Hołownia noted there was no time left to hold citizens’ assemblies that had been planned. He proposed a straightforward question for a single week to gauge public opinion, arguing that a simple query yields stronger participation and that a referendum in the coming year would be the most effective path if liberalization is the aim, considering the term of the current presidency.
As described by the Sejm marshal, the plan emphasizes a direct route to public input while keeping the process streamlined and comprehensible for voters. The discussion continues with a focus on ensuring that the final package is understandable and responsive to the will of the people.