The situation of abortion rights in Poland
30.10.2020
Question for written answer E-005924/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Samira Rafaela (Renew), Karen Melchior (Renew), Susana Solís Pérez (Renew), María Soraya Rodríguez Ramos (Renew), Abir Al-Sahlani (Renew), Hilde Vautmans (Renew), Irène Tolleret (Renew), Radka Maxová (Renew), Chrysoula Zacharopoulou (Renew)
On 22 October 2020, Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal issued a ruling that would lead to an almost total ban on abortion, contradicting Poland’s human rights obligations. There is a pressing need for the Commission and Member States to address breaches of the rule of law and their impact on fundamental rights. In the case of Poland, ensuring women’s rights, including their reproductive rights, are essential to upholding EU values. Access to safe abortion care must also be addressed from a public health perspective.
- 1.Will the Commission immediately apply rule of law conditionality to Poland and make the country’s receipt of EU funds dependent on its respect for the rule of law and human rights?
- 2.Will the Commission support programmes and civil society organisations working to ensure that women in Poland have access to safe abortion care? What will the Commission do, including under EU health strategy and programmes, to support Member States in guaranteeing access to sexual and reproductive health services, including safe abortion?
- 3.What concrete steps will the Commission take, including under the gender equality strategy, to address the consequences of this judgment on women’s rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights?