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Court Orders Abortion Access in Poland

Even where abortion is severely restricted, it must be available to women legally entitled

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 21, 2007 9:16 AM CDT

(Newser) – Even countries that severely restrict abortion must make them available to those who are entitled to them by law, the European court of human rights ruled yesterday. A Polish mother sued because her fourth pregnancy's damage to her failing eyesight made her legally eligible for an abortion to preserve her health, but a doctor refused her anyway.

Because Poland very right-wing government bans abortions except to protect the mother's health, or if the pregnancy results from sexual violence, practitioners fear to perform the procedure even on women who qualify. The court ruled that Polish law must include "an effective mechanism capable of determining whether the conditions for obtaining a lawful abortion had been met."

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Court Orders Abortion Access in Poland

Even where abortion is severely restricted, it must be available to women legally entitled

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U.K. Nurses Enter Abortion Battleground

Could perform early-term procedures under new reading of 40-year-old law

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Med student details what changed her mind

Pro-Life Docs Need Not Perform Abortions: Board

Body clarifies ruling that had feds, physicians worried about certifications

Brits Will Pay Moms-to-Be to Eat for Two

Pregnant women in the UK will be given $240 to support a healthy diet

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Court Orders Abortion Access in Poland

Even where abortion is severely restricted, it must be available to women legally entitled

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

reproductive rights • health care • abortion • pregnancy • health • women's health • human rights • Poland • Europe

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

U.K. Nurses Enter Abortion Battleground

Could perform early-term procedures under new reading of 40-year-old law

Once a Pro-Lifer, She'll Soon Perform Abortions

Med student details what changed her mind

Pro-Life Docs Need Not Perform Abortions: Board

Body clarifies ruling that had feds, physicians worried about certifications

Brits Will Pay Moms-to-Be to Eat for Two

Pregnant women in the UK will be given $240 to support a healthy diet

Go Easy on Pregnancy Weight Gain, Say Docs

Review of current guidelines in the works

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Newser By Users

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