Sejm passes partial decriminalisation of abortion: 217 votes for, 213 against

On Tuesday the Sejm passed an amendment to the Penal Code providing for partial decriminalisation of abortion with the woman's consent and of assisting in an abortion. 217 deputies voted in favour, 213 against, and three abstained. The bill was submitted in July 2024 by deputies of the Left and the Civic Coalition.

The amendment was backed by all voting deputies of the Civic Coalition (152), the Left (21), Centre (14) and Razem (4), as well as 10 PSL deputies, 12 Polska 2050 deputies and four independents. All voting deputies of PiS (137), Rozwój Plus (38) and Confederation (15) were against, as were another 14 PSL deputies, including Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. Szymon Hołownia of Polska 2050 also voted against.

The Sejm also passed a law allowing abortion in the case of a severe foetal defect: 233 votes for, 203 against, one abstention. Six years ago the Constitutional Tribunal ruled this ground unconstitutional.

Both bills now go to the Senate. In July 2024 a similar decriminalisation bill fell short of a majority.