Poland: Pro-choice protests reported nationwide November 2 /update 8

Event

Pro-choice protests continued nationwide for a twelfth straight day on Monday, November 2, against a decision by Poland's constitutional tribunal which deemed abortions due to foetal defects unconstitutional, paving the way for the government to introduce tighter abortion laws. Protesters on Monday have blocked several main roads of Warsaw city center as well as in the cities of Katowice and Poznan. Previous protests have been largely peaceful.

The Polish government is due to publish the controversial ruling in its official gazette later on Monday, which will make it enter into legal force.

Further protests are likely throughout Poland over the near term. A heightened police presence is expected around protest sites, with disruptions to transportation and business likely.

Advice

Those in Poland are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate a heightened security presence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.