Empowering Polish Women: The Fight for Abortion Rights

In 2016, Anna Sikora’s protests for women’s rights in Poland attracted only 50 individuals. Fast forward four years, and almost 2,000 people joined her cause, leading to significant political changes.

As a left-wing activist and local leader, Sikora played a pivotal role in mobilizing women against the Law and Justice party’s restrictive abortion laws. The party’s electoral defeat in 2023 was a direct result of the women’s protests.

Poland has long had strict abortion laws, but under the PiS government, the situation deteriorated. Women faced dangerous circumstances, such as denied medical treatment leading to tragic deaths, like that of Izabela S. in 2021.

The 2023 parliamentary election thrust abortion into the spotlight, with promises of legal abortion up to 12 weeks. However, political divisions and moral stances hindered progress, leading to failed amendments in parliament.

Despite the introduction of new prosecution guidelines, legal experts doubt real change. Sikora echoes this sentiment, deeming the directives insufficient and criticizing the lack of reform from the government.