Petra Dvořáková: Polish activists have opened an abortion clinic. Opponents attacked it with acid

Friday, May 23, 2025

Polish abortion clinic faces protests and harassment amid legislative battles for reproductive rights.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

Pro-abortion activists protest near a clinic regularly, sometimes using strong language and chemical attacks. The article features interviews with individuals like Nikola and Anna discussing political shifts towards fascism in Europe, while also detailing the work of the abortion clinic AboTak in Warsaw. AboTak provides a safe space for advice and support regarding unplanned pregnancies or unprotected sex. Despite efforts by pro-choice activists to push for legal abortion access in Poland, legislative changes have been blocked, leaving current laws extremely restrictive. Activists like Marta Lempartová and Justyna Wydrzyńska criticize the government’s inaction on reforming abortion legislation, noting that while most of society supports liberalization, political maneuvering stalls progress. The clinic AboTak offers a safe environment for those seeking support, contrasting with the harsh realities faced by women who rely on self-managed pharmacological abortions due to legal restrictions. Activists express concern that even if legalization occurs, conservative elements might impose strict limitations, and they advocate for decriminalization instead. Despite their efforts, activists face harassment from protesters, including loud demonstrations and chemical attacks, leading them to consider closing the clinic; however, community support encourages them to continue and become more assertive in documenting anti-abortion actions.


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