Amnesty International activists will join demonstrations in Warsaw, London and other cities on Sunday 18 September, to protest against planned amendments to Poland’s abortion law.

The amendments are due to be debated in Poland’s parliament from 21 -23 September. If passed, they will usher in an almost complete ban on abortion. Women and girls who have sought or had an abortion would be criminalised and the maximum jail term for anyone who assists or encourages them to have an abortion will be increased from three to five years.

Gauri van Gulik, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Europe, said:

“Poland’s abortion law is already one of the most restrictive in Europe and these amendments will put women and girls at risk and doctors in impossible situations. We know from countries with similar draconian laws how women pay the price, with their health and even with their lives.”

“A woman who needs an abortion is not a criminal and decisions about her body and her health should never be placed in the hands of politicians.”

Demonstrations:

Warsaw https://www.facebook.com/events/1794266200817587/

London https://www.facebook.com/events/560900950769402/