When whispers turned to scream. Path to the 2020 near abortion ban and the role of the Catholic Church

Abstract

This thesis examines the profound influence of the Catholic Church on Poland's increasingly restrictive abortion laws, culminating in the near-total ban of 2020. It explores how, despite Poland's transition to democracy post-1989, women's reproductive rights have paradoxically regressed, with abortion laws becoming more stringent than during the communist era. The study begins by contrasting the concept of abortion as a human right with the Catholic Church's stance on the sanctity of life. It then analyzes the Church's methods of exerting influence, both direct and indirect, on Polish society and politics. The research delves into the historical and cultural foundations of the Church's power in Poland, including the 'Polak-Katolik' identity and the legacy of Pope John Paul II. By examining the Church's role in shaping abortion legislation in postcommunist Poland, with particular focus on its relationship with the Law and Justice party and the 2020 Constitutional Tribunal verdict, this thesis argues that the Catholic Church's impact extends far beyond overt political action, permeating Polish cultural identity and moral frameworks. This comprehensive analysis provides crucial insights into the complex dynamics of religion, politics, and reproductive rights in contemporary Poland.