Virtual Protests Trend in Poland as Government Debates Abortion Restrictions Amid Coronavirus Lockdown

Protesters in Poland have taken to the streets and staged virtual protests on social media to show their opposition to proposed government restrictions on abortion set for debate on April 15 and 16.

The government’s lower house was expected to debate a bill that would restrict access to abortion where the fetus has serious abnormalities. A second bill relating to underage sex, described by opponents as effectively banning sex education in schools, was also up for debate. The bills were brought forward for debate following a citizens’ initiative.

The Polish government was accused by activists and human rights groups of using coronavirus restrictions on public gatherings to try and push the legislation through.

Four protesters were fined and six were due in court after dozens of drivers and cyclists blocked a busy roundabout in Warsaw, on April 14, according to local news reports.

As well as the drive-in protest in the capital and socially distanced protests elsewhere, activists held virtual protests on social media to voice their objection to the proposal.

Social media users shared video of them saying the phrase “legal abortion” to camera and this video shows Polish Green Party Deputy Urszula Zielińska taking part. Credit: Urszula Zielińska via Storyful