Warsaw, 28 May 1997 (RFE/RL) -- Poland's Constitutional Tribunal today ruled that a current abortion law, which allows women to terminate pregnancy until the 12th week for difficult social and economic reasons, lacks clarity and must be re-examined by the parliament.
According to a court official, the law poorly defined criteria of what "difficult conditions mean and this was recognized in conflict with the constitution."
To override the court's ruling will require a two-third majority in parliament. This will be difficult to achieve, considering that Poland is in the midst of an electoral campaign and the abortion issue is likely to emerge as a major theme in the contest.
Pending the resolution of the case, the existing legal provisions continue to apply.
According to a court official, the law poorly defined criteria of what "difficult conditions mean and this was recognized in conflict with the constitution."
To override the court's ruling will require a two-third majority in parliament. This will be difficult to achieve, considering that Poland is in the midst of an electoral campaign and the abortion issue is likely to emerge as a major theme in the contest.
Pending the resolution of the case, the existing legal provisions continue to apply.