Kotula, in an interview with RMF 24, emphasized cooperation with Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna to devise interim solutions.
"I have made a declaration, but also there is such an expectation on the part of Prime Minister Donald Tusk that I will cooperate with Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna in working out immediate solutions, before the law is changed, that will be able to give women and doctors a sense of security," Kotula explained.
The European Court's ruling found that Poland violated the European Convention on Human Rights against a pregnant woman barred from accessing legal abortion due to fetal Down syndrome following a 2021 reform in Polish legislation.
"This is a key judgment. I am convinced that it shows that we must move in the direction of legalization, that is, liberalization of abortion law," Kotula stressed.
The new minister outlined steps towards decriminalizing aiding and abetting abortion and nullifying the 2020 Constitutional Tribunal ruling, while also addressing broader public consultation on abortion law, including the possibility of legal abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy.
"We would very much like, as Left MPs and I think as MPs in the ruling coalition, for there to be broad public consultation on this issue, perhaps in the form of a real public hearing," Kotula added.
Kotula's comments come as Poland, under its new liberal government, faces pressure to protect women's rights amid the European Court's ruling. Prime Minister Tusk has vowed to present a bill making abortion legal until 12 weeks, although this faces potential opposition from the country’s conservative President Andrzej Duda.
Additionally, Kotula highlighted the need for Poland to align with the upcoming directive against violence against women and the importance of changing the definition of rape.
"I hope that it will be possible to introduce a law that changes the definition of rape as soon as possible," she said, signaling a significant shift in Poland's stance on women's rights.
(jh)
Source: PAP