Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the current parliament lacks the majority needed to fully legalize abortion and ruled out a referendum on the issue, citing opposition from women’s rights groups.
“There won’t be a majority in this parliament for fully legalizing abortion,” stated Tusk during a political event at Campus Poland of the Future in Kortowo, northern Poland. He emphasized that due to strong resistance from women’s rights organizations, he will not be proposing a referendum on the matter.
Looking ahead to the next elections, Tusk was candid about the current situation: “Until the next elections, there will be no majority in this parliament for full legalization of abortion. We shouldn’t delude ourselves.” However, he reassured that there will be noticeable changes in how prosecutors and hospitals handle abortion cases.
“This process is already underway and will be strongly felt,” he added.
Tusk’s comments come after a failed attempt in July to partially decriminalize aiding in abortion, which fell short by just a few votes.
“We simply don’t have the majority in parliament for this issue,” Tusk admitted, while noting that many members of the Civic Coalition (KO) have pushed for another vote. He warned against futile efforts, stressing the importance of securing sufficient support before pursuing any legislative changes.
Acknowledging the limitations of the current parliament, Tusk pledged to work within existing laws to alleviate the burden on women, ensure safer access to abortion when necessary, and protect those assisting women from legal repercussions.
“We’ll do everything we can to make abortion as safe and accessible as possible within the limits of the law,” he said.
He also hinted at ongoing discussions with coalition partner PSL about a more moderate approach to legal reform, but did not express high hopes.
Tusk addressed PSL’s interest in a referendum on abortion rights, noting that most women’s rights activists oppose the idea.
“Women’s groups have been clear: They don’t want a referendum. These are their rights, and they don’t want them subjected to a public vote. I won’t push for a referendum against their wishes,” Tusk said.
Meanwhile, PO deputy leader and possible candidate in a presidential election next year, Rafał Trzaskowski, suggested that replacing the current president could create enough pressure to shift the political landscape and make legal changes more achievable.
“There would be no more excuses,” Trzaskowski remarked, expressing optimism that a compromise could be reached among the governing parties. “It might not satisfy everyone, but it would certainly improve the unacceptable status quo,” he concluded.
