Today inspiration comes from #Poland where women lead the resistance against medieval anti abortion law.
— Sol Trumbo Vila (@Soltrumbo) October 3, 2016
Solidarity with #CzarnyProtest pic.twitter.com/vEallYDcTK
Poland, a mostly Catholic nation, which has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe, has just avoided making those laws stricter after lawmakers voted to reject a proposal to make all abortions illegal.
Thank you to all the brave protesters who brought down the bill for an absolute abortion ban in Poland! #CzarnyProtest
— Julia Reda (@Senficon) October 6, 2016
Abortion is currently only allowed in a minority of cases involving rape or incest, or if the mother's life is in danger or the fetus is badly damaged.
However, an anti-abortion group recently proposed a total ban on abortion in Poland and prison sentences for women flouting the ban, provoking outrage among women across Europe.
#blackprotest #london #united #SolidarityWithPolishWomen #CzarnyProtest #czarnyponiedziałek #MyBodyMyChoice #peace pic.twitter.com/5R0f5hHYX3
— Maja Kuba (@Xirilla) October 4, 2016
The proposal which originated as a citizens' initiative collected 450,000 signatures and more than 100,000 people went on strike in the country on Monday, October 3, against the bill.
Solidarity to Polish women who are on strike today over proposals to ban abortions. A terrifying policy. All strength to #CzarnyProtest. pic.twitter.com/s7EVE4cItH
— Shelly Asquith (@ShellyAsquith) October 3, 2016
But ahead of the vote in Poland's parliament on Thursday, October 6, the #CzarnyProtest started trending on Twitter as women gathered across European cities wearing black to pledge their solidarity with the fight to stop Poland's abortions laws becoming even stricter.
A lovely picture of yesterday's Black Monday protest in Warsaw #CzarnyProtest pic.twitter.com/fssasX1wBK
— Ola Cichowlas (@olacicho) October 4, 2016
Subsequently, parliament voted to reject the proposal, in what appears to be in response to the mass protests.
YEEESSSS! Absolute abortion ban in Poland has been rejected. Thanks to the amazing work of so many brave women! #CzarnyProtest
— Terry Reintke (@TerryReintke) October 6, 2016
The attempts to make Poland's sexual and reproductive health laws even more restricted also prompted a fierce debate in the European Parliament.
The debate began with a statement from EU Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, Vera Jourova, who declared that European Union had no power to interfere in member states' policies or legislate on abortion.
#Womensrights in #Poland: Wednesday afternoon debate at the #EPlenary (around 18:00): https://t.co/JQs1YYU0pW
— EP PressService (@EuroParlPress) October 5, 2016
Nevertheless, MEPs agreed that it should be able to debate any issue that is considered relevant to political and human rights concerns.
Those MEPs who agreed, argued that the proposed bill before the Polish parliament was a blow against women's rights, which should never be taken for granted.
MEP Gianni Pitella, head of the Social Democratic group, said the bill was "pro-death," while Vera Jourova wore black in solidarity with Polish women, as did many other female MEPs — along with hundreds and thousands of protesters across Europe.
However, their fight might not be over just yet.
Polish Parliament rejected the draconian abortion bill but PiS (ruling party) announces they'll come up with a new one. #CzarnyProtest
— Polish #BlackMonday (@BlackMonday2016) October 6, 2016
