Poland puts abortion law into effect

WARSAW: Poland's government put into effect yesterday a constitutional court decision banning terminations of pregnancies with foetal defects, as conservative policies increasingly take root in one of Europe's most devoutly Catholic countries.

The October 22 ruling had led to weeks of massive protests, forcing the nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) government to delay its implementation.

Small protests gathered yesterday following an announcement PiS would take the official step to enforce the decision, and abortion rights activists announced more would take place today.

Abortion has emerged as one of the most divisive issues since PiS took power in 2015.

The court's verdict was published in the official gazette yesterday.

Last year's protests quickly morphed into an eruption of anger against the government, particularly among young people, suggesting PiS may face a fresh challenge from new voters in coming years. — Reuters