Thousands protest across Poland for access to free and legal abortions

Demonstrators gathered on the sixth anniversary of a near-total abortion ban imposed by Poland’s highest court.By AFP and The Associated PressPublished On 23 Oct 202623 Oct 2026Thousands of people have protested in more than 20 towns and cities across Poland, calling for access to free and legal abortion services.Demonstrators gathered on the sixth anniversary of a near-total abortion ban imposed by Poland’s highest court.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4A look at some of the world’s toughest abortion lawslist 2 of 4How women are resisting Poland’s abortion banlist 3 of 4Poland’s ban on abortion forces many to seek help in Germanylist 4 of 4Women call for tougher EU stance on Poland’s abortion lawsend of listCurrently, abortion is only legal in Poland when a pregnancy results from a criminal act like rape or incest, or when it threatens the life or health of the mother.Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government promised to liberalise abortion laws ahead of its 2023 election victory, but divisions within the coalition have slowed progress.The demonstrations come days after parliament passed two bills that would ease abortion restrictions in the mostly Catholic country, but...