MPs give in-vitro bill go-ahead
PR dla Zagranicy
Jo Harper
25.06.2015 16:03
MPs have approved a government bill that sets regulations for in-vitro fertilisation, and guaranteeing the procedure to unwed couples.
Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Wanda Nowicka during the in-vitro debate on 25 June. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak
Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz called the vote a "success of Poland's freedom" and a "chance for happiness" for those couples involved.
The Sejm voted 261 for, 176 against, with six abstentions. The opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party voted against, saying IVF breaks the constitutional right to life. It also warned it may take the bill to a special court that rules on the constitutionality of new laws. The Catholic Church also opposes the bill.
The bill now will need to pass through the Senate and needs to obtain presidential approval before becoming law.
Under the new legislation married and unwed couples will be eligible for IVF if other treatments give no results within 12 months.
Poland already allows IVF in licensed clinics, but has lacked a coherent set of legal and logistical regulations. (jh)