While IPPF European Network welcomes these positive results, we remain concerned by the global situation of women’s rights and SRHR in Poland which appears even more fragile following this recent vote. It is particularly preoccupying that such a huge number of Polish parliamentarians still voted in favour of the ban when both the relevant parliamentary committees and all the health professionals’ unions consulted on the bill asked for its rejection.

IPPF EN is wondering how much fear with regard to the forthcoming national elections in October may have influenced the vote. 

According to IPPF Member Association, TRR, there was a strong lack of mobilization on the part of the Polish civil society.

Furthermore, a recent change in the NGO legislation to access State’s funds might have unexpected and far reaching results, hampering the delivery of SRHR services to women in Poland.

IPPF EN is also concerned about future developments in Europe. This radical debate took place in Poland while the country is holding the EU presidency, and this is also following the change of the Constitution in Hungary to 'protect life from conception' during the Hungarian Presidency of the EU.

IPPF EN congratulates the people who worked hard to ensure such a victory, in particular TRR, Wanda Nowika and the Federation for Women and Family Planning, CFC, Human Rights Watch and all the organisations that offered their support.

We hope that the SRHR community will remain vigilant to support pro-choice champions in Poland.