Abortion will drive a wedge in Polish ruling coalition

Significance

The legislation, proposed by the Left and supported by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s Civic Coalition (KO), sought to decriminalise performing abortions up to the twelfth week of pregnancy. Conservative members of the coalition voted against the bill, underscoring the difficulties that Tusk faces in reversing reforms implemented by the previous government.

Impacts

• Enforcement of the current law largely depends on prosecutorial discretion, emphasising the importance of legal reform.
• The government will likely seek creative short-term solutions on divisive issues to avoid putting them to a vote.
• The Third Way alliance may seek to differentiate itself from its coalition partners on the issue of abortion to halt a drop in support.