- I hope that Mr. President will sign this law, in 25 countries of the European Union the pill is available , even without an age limit," said Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna in the program Salon Polityczny Trójki on Polish Radio Program 3. She also referred to the issue of work on a bill liberalizing the right to abortion and the exclusion of the possibility of using the conscience clause by hospitals with contracts with the National Health Fund.
Izabela Leszczyna: I hope the president will sign the law on the morning-after pill
Published Feb. 15, 2024 09:05
fot. screenshot | YouTube: Polskie Radio 24
Izabela Leszczyna stressed that the pill used in emergency contraception works to prevent conception. It is safe for health, including for young women.
- We are introducing an age restriction of 15 years and above, due to the fact that under the Criminal Code, sexual intercourse with a minor is punishable by imprisonment. In 25 European Union countries, the pill is available without an age limit," explained Izabela Leszczyna.
There is a lot of excitement currently surrounding discussions of the abortion law. The Health Ministry is not addressing the issue, but a bill liberalizing the law in this area is being prepared by the Civic Coalition. On the other hand, Third Way is calling for a referendum on the issue.
- In my opinion, the Speaker of the Sejm should introduce our bill liberalizing the anti-abortion law first. I think it has a chance to pass before the Sejm and then no referendum on this issue will be needed. I for one am against the referendum, primarily because it will again divide and polarize our society. We don't need it. We need to educate, talk, raise awareness and leave women the right to choose," said Izabela Leszczyna.
Meanwhile, the "Safe Conscious Me" package, designed to provide women with, among other things, better access to prenatal testing, the option to freeze ova if there is a need for cancer treatment, and safety when a pregnancy is life-threatening, is due by June 1. In this context, there has been much talk about the issue of hospitals using the conscience clause.
- The President of the National Health Fund has been instructed by me to introduce such rules in the general terms and conditions of the contract between the National Health Fund, i.e. the payer, and the treatment entity, which will make it obligatory to provide a woman with a guaranteed service, and such a service is the termination of pregnancy in the case of a threat to health or life. This will happen soon," the Health Minister declares.
