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Legal Abortions Rise in Poland as Complaints Over Refusals Drop, Says European Rights Body

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Legal abortions in Poland doubled in 2024 while complaints about hospitals refusing procedures on conscience grounds have stopped, according to the Council of Europe. The European rights body said recent government measures appear to be improving access to legal abortion services in the country, where strict laws have been in place since 2021. Official health ministry data showed nearly 900 legal abortions were carried out in Polish hospitals in 2024, compared with 425 the previous year.

Poland introduced a near-total abortion ban in 2021 after a court ruling declared terminations due to foetal abnormalities unconstitutional. Since coming to power in 2023, the government led by Donald Tusk has pledged to ease the restrictions, but political divisions have slowed legislative change. President Karol Nawrocki has signalled he would block any major liberalisation of the abortion law.

Despite the political deadlock, the government has issued new guidance to hospitals and prosecutors clarifying that abortions on the grounds of a woman’s mental health are legal and must be provided by public hospitals. The Council of Europe noted that since the introduction of an unconditional obligation for hospitals to offer the procedure as part of contracted medical services, authorities have not received new complaints about refusals based on the “conscience clause.” However, the organisation also expressed concern over the lack of progress in passing broader legislation on safe termination of pregnancy.

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EU Clarifies Social Fund Can Support Cross-Border Access to Safe Abortions

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The European Commission has clarified that member states may use the European Social Fund to provide free abortion services to women traveling from EU countries with restrictive laws. The announcement followed the “My Voice, My Choice” citizens’ initiative, which gathered over one million signatures urging the bloc to ensure equal access to safe and legal abortion care. While the Commission stopped short of proposing a new funding tool, it confirmed that existing resources could be reallocated to support women, particularly those in vulnerable situations, seeking procedures abroad.

The move comes as countries such as Poland and Malta maintain near-total abortion bans, and access remains limited in nations including Italy and Croatia. Supporters argue that women across the 27-member bloc should have equal healthcare rights regardless of national restrictions. Campaign coordinator Nika Kovac welcomed the clarification, calling it the first clear confirmation that EU funds can be used to guarantee safe abortion access across borders.

However, critics — including conservative lawmakers and far-right groups — say the decision interferes with national sovereignty over health policy and undermines traditional values. Opponents argue that using EU social funds for abortion-related services effectively bypasses domestic laws. The clarification reflects broader tensions within Europe, where abortion access has expanded in countries such as France and the UK, even as far-right parties opposing abortion gain political ground.

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France makes abortion a constitutional right

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France recently made history by becoming the first country to explicitly include the right to abortion in its constitution. The move was celebrated with an overwhelming 780-72 vote in parliament, prompting a standing ovation. President Emmanuel Macron hailed it as a moment of “French pride” and a “universal message.”

However, anti-abortion groups, as well as the Vatican, criticized the change. Abortion has been legal in France since 1975, but this constitutional amendment solidifies and guarantees this right. The decision was influenced by recent events in the US, where abortion rights have been under threat. The constitutional change aims to protect women’s reproductive rights amid global challenges.

Despite some criticism, the move has been largely welcomed, especially by feminist activists. The decision reflects a broader societal support for women’s rights and autonomy over their bodies. It marks a significant step forward in ensuring that women have the freedom to make decisions about their reproductive health without interference or restriction.

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