Poland considers, rejects further restrictions on abortion.

CONSERVATIVE POLISH lawmakers proposed an amendment to the constitution that would tighten the already restrictive abortion laws in Poland. Lawmakers from the League of Polish Families proposed to add the words "from the moment of conception" to the existing sentence in the constitution, "The Republic of Poland guarantees the legal protection of life to every person." Prochoice advocates warned that this change would be the first step toward outlawing abortion completely.

However, even ultraconservative Polish president Lech Kaczynski opposed the move, commenting, "The compromise reached on abortion 13 years ago is good." This compromise was reached between politicians and Catholic bishops to restrict abortion to instances of rape or when there are risks to the health of a pregnant woman or a fetus. Kaczynski may have been mindful of his precarious position as head of the government, with threats to the ruling coalition appearing almost monthly.

Later, members of parliament from three conservative parties--the Law and Justice party, the League of Polish Families and the Popular-National Movement--proposed labels for condom and pill packages, similar to those appearing on cigarette packs, that would call the products' use dangerous to human health. The government has announced plans to debate this "National Program to Support Families" in early 2007.

A special European Supplement of Conscience is available now, with an exclusive report on how conservative elements in Poland are seeking to shape future policy throughout Europe. It also contains the text of a speech by CFFC president Frances Kissling at the U.K. Parliament and updates on CFFC'S activities in the European Parliament.