The Struggle for Abortion Rights in Poland

This study examines why it was relatively easy for decision makers in post-communist Poland to abolish a woman’s right to abortion after almost 40 years of liberal legislation and access to the procedure. This turn of events is especially noteworthy as it occurred in the first years of democracy when the vast majority of the society did not question the existing approach to abortion and opposed legislative restrictions – as they still do. In light of these facts, what were the reasons for and processes by which sexuality-related issues emerged at the top of the country’s political agenda soon after the communist system collapsed in 1989? How is it that reproduction and sexuality have remained the focus of the most controversial public debates? And how did these debates lead to the introduction of one of the most restrictive anti-abortion laws in Europe?