The Polish parliament has rejected a bill to decriminalize and depenalize abortion. The vote results were 215 in favor of the bill, 218 against, and 2 abstentions.
First, a motion to reject the bill entirely was put to a vote. It resulted in 215 deputies in favor of rejection, 216 against, and 2 abstentions. Next, the Commission’s motion to adopt the bill in its entirety was put to a vote. This motion was rejected by the Diet, followed by a standing ovation and deputies chanting “pro-life!”.
Before the vote, President Andrzej Duda announced that he would not sign the bill if it were approved by parliament, using its presidential constitutional powers.
The proposed amendment to the Criminal Code would have meant that those assisting a woman in having an abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy would bear no responsibility, even in the event of the woman’s death. After the 12th week, the liability would be less than that currently provided in the Criminal Code. The draft amendment, which was ultimately rejected, also stipulated that a doctor performing an abortion up to the 9th month of pregnancy, in cases of severe fetal defects, would not be committing a crime.
The rejection of the bill by the Polish parliament reinforces the nation’s commitment to the protection of life. This decision upholds the values that prioritize the dignity of human life, ensuring that the most vulnerable among us are given the protection they deserve. By maintaining strict legal standards against abortion, Poland continues to affirm its stance on the right to life, reflecting the moral and ethical principles that underpin its society. This outcome not only honors the inherent worth of every human being but also sets a precedent for the preservation of life in all its stages.
