WARSAW – In an effort to make it easier for women in need of abortions for health reasons, the government of Poland is releasing new guidelines for doctors that emphasize the legality of such procedures based on medical recommendations.

Under the current law, abortions for health reasons are permitted, but the previous conservative government had restricted other qualifying circumstances, leading to widespread protests and a reluctance among doctors to perform the procedures.

Despite efforts by the current government to expand abortion rights, a proposal to allow abortions up to the 12th week of pregnancy narrowly failed in parliament. Prime Minister Donald Tusk is now exploring alternative solutions to improve access to abortion services.

Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna highlighted the importance of the new guidelines, stating that many doctors and hospitals currently do not adhere to the regulations allowing for early abortions based on a single specialist’s opinion, resulting in delays for women seeking these services.

The guidelines specify that a recommendation from a specialist in fields such as cardiology, endocrinology, or psychiatry is sufficient for a woman to obtain a legal abortion in a hospital without the risk of prosecution for the performing doctor.

Currently, abortion in Poland is only allowed in cases of rape, incest, or when the woman’s health or life is at risk. Any other form of abortion can result in up to three years of imprisonment for doctors or individuals assisting in the procedure.

In 2020, a court controlled by the previous right-wing government removed the provision allowing for the termination of pregnancies in cases of severe fetal defects, sparking widespread protests across the country.