How is Poland’s upcoming election crucial for women?

The upcoming election in Poland will be held on 15 October 2023. The vote of women can determine the winner of Poland’s upcoming election. 

One month before Poland’s parliamentary election on 15 October, how can women play an important role to know who would hold on to power? What role will women have in the incoming parliamentary election in Poland?

According to experts, the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party in Poland might hold on to power or women can fight against Poland’s government. 

Role of women in Poland’s upcoming election

The ruling government in the Central European country had been targeting various women because they wanted to get an abortion. In recent months, women suffered and were tortured because of a crackdown on abortion by the authorities of the ruling Law and Justice party.

Polish women can either support the ruling party of PiS in the upcoming election or turn the elections in their favor. Poland’s women want to fight for their rights.

Previously, the judges appointed by the PiS banned abortions in most parts of this European country. Many frustrated women have also complained that they cannot afford to get abortions in other countries.

Anita Prazmowska, a professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), told EuroNews, “Women in Poland are being treated like animals. They are reduced to only one purpose – to give birth.” 

The brutal abortion ban by the authorities has mostly affected the Polish women living in rural areas of the country. Those women are choosing illegal abortions because they do not have adequate money to go to foreign countries to get an abortion.

In 2021, Poland allowed abortions in case the pregnancy threatens the pregnant woman’s life or health. Human rights activists have claimed that hospitals in Poland are mostly dominated by local political groups, hence they avoid conducting medical procedures on women.

The upcoming election in this Central European country is the only chance for Polish women to fight for their rights.