On the last Friday, during the Campus Polska Future event, Prime Minister Donald Tusk openly admitted that the majority needed to introduce the right to legal abortion, which was discussed with participants, was missing in the Sejm. Tusk besides ruled out the anticipation of holding a referendum on this issue.
Donald Tusk's position on legalising abortion
During his speech at Campus Poland's Future, Donald Tusk referred to the consequence of the vote that took place last month. It active legalizing abortion on request until the 12th week of pregnancy, but was lost. The Prime Minister pointed out that he was not going back to legalising abortion at this political stage.
‘W The Sejm has no majority in favour of the right to legal abortion as we discussed here and as we agreed with you, among others," Tusk said. The politician added that he does not plan to hold a referendum on this issue.
Attempts to repeat the vote
Tusk stressed that any Members of the Civic Coalition (KO) suggested that we effort again to vote on abortion. However, the Prime Minister expressed his doubts about this thought by putting applicable approach to legislative issues.
"At the moment, especially the MPs from the KO say, let us effort to vote again. The problem is, I'm always trying to be practical, in the sense that if we're dating something, I'd like to see it through. The reality is that ok, Gierty did not vote, Sługocki was in the US away, 2 votes were missing from us [...] Until the next majority election in this parliament for legal abortion, in the fullest sense, will not be. There is nothing to cheat about," said Tusk.
The Prime Minister besides pointed out that changes may happen in practice in the activities of prosecutors and hospitals, which is already underway and will be felt in the close future.
Reflections on legislative changes and possible support for PSL
Donald Tusk mentioned the anticipation of convincing the Polish People's organization (PSL) to support “some mild version” of the changes concerning abortion. However, it does not presently plan to hold a referendum on the legalisation of abortion, emphasizing the opposition of most women's communities active in the fight for reproductive rights.
"But as you know, on the referendum, most of the communities, especially those women who were active in the fight for the right to legal abortion, say: no referendum we do not want, these are our rights, we will not vote this in a referendum. So I will not propose a referendum against all those who are victims of this provision today, if they do not want to, then we will not force this referendum," added the Prime Minister.
Summary
Donald Tusk's position clearly shows that there are presently no plans to vote again on the bill on legalising abortion or organising a referendum on this issue. The Prime Minister stressed that the changes to abortion law in the close future are not possible due to the deficiency of a parliamentary majority, while besides pointing out that practices in prosecutors and hospitals may change.
Tusk's statements reflect a pragmatic approach to legislative issues and take into account the voices of women's communities that argue the referendum on their rights. At the moment, the subject of abortion is not expected to be re-opened in the Sejm before the next election.
Daniel Głogowski
Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.
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