Women in Poland are to stage an all-out strike to protest the country’s plan to effectively ban abortions.
Female workers across the predominantly Catholic country will take part in the action on Monday, in an effort to disruptively draw attention to attempts to restrict Poland’s severely limited abortion laws even further.
Those taking part hope the strike will bring Polish society and the economy to a standstill.
Currently, abortion is only permitted in cases of rape or if the woman's or foetus’ life is in danger. However, legislators have proposed restricting the laws further still to eliminate even these exceptions. Women who break the law could face up to five years in prison. A government committee is currently considering the changes.
Women have been urged to join the strike to protest the move, by refusing to attend work, The Krakow Post reports.
Known locally as the “black protest”, official strikes will be taking place in over 60 different Polish cities. In an act of solidarity, a number of businesses and corporations have reportedly pledged to shut their doors as part of the strike. Protesters are also encouraged to wear black and post photos on social media of them participating in the action.
A leaflet circulated online states: “Black protest in defence of the right to life and health of women in Poland. We demand access to reliable sex education, contraception and effective in vitro procedures. We oppose the further tightening [of] abortion laws.
The strike has received support from high profile Polish figures including super model Anja Rubik, who shared her support on social media. Cont.
Story from - Independent
No comments:
Post a Comment