Ukrainian women in Poland need access to abortion - UN

Reuters reported on the situation.

Poland has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe, and human rights activists have expressed concern about the difficulties that rape victims from Ukraine may face.

"There is a specific policy (on reproductive services in Poland), which, in our opinion, doesn't meet international standards. (Victims of sexual violence) need advice and assistance. In some cases, they will need abortions. We will raise this issue with the government," the Assistant High Commissioner for Defense Gillian Triggs said at a briefing.

UNHCR would work with people who need abortions to ensure they have access to this care in Poland or elsewhere.

The Polish government spokesman didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

In 2020, the Polish Constitutional Tribunal ruled that abortion was unconstitutional. At present, abortion is allowed only in cases of rape and incest, as well as in the event of a threat to the life or health of the mother, but access to abortion is limited because many doctors refuse to do so for religious reasons and many women plan abortions abroad.

The number of Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Poland since the beginning of the Russian invasion has exceeded 3.3 million.