Poland's abortion ban proposal near collapse after mass protests

Parliamentary committee urges MPs to vote proposal down as 30,000 people turn up to protest

6 October 2016, 8:07am

1 min read

Tens of thousands of people boycotted work and classes on Monday to protest against the proposals

A controversial proposal to ban abortion in Poland appears to have collapsed after senior politicians from the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) backed away from it as a result of mass protests.

The justice and human rights committee, which reviews proposed legislation, recommended that parliament reject the Bill following a wave of protests earlier in the week.

PiS members, who had referred the legislation to the committee less than two weeks ago, threw out the Bill.

Tens of thousands of people boycotted work and classes on Monday to protest against the proposals, which if enacted would impose a blanket ban on abortion, including in instances of pregnancy as a result of rape or incest.

About 30,000 people had reportedly gathered in Warsaw’s Castle Square, chanting “We want doctors, not missionaries!” and carrying placards bearing messages such as “My Uterus, My Opinion” and “Women Just Want to Have FUN-damental Rights.”