In 2012, the European Court of Human Rights issued P. and S. v. Poland, a landmark decision that slams Poland’s flawed abortion policies and sets groundbreaking standards for the rights of adolescents to reproductive health services. The judgment sheds light on the country’s reproductive health policies and calls for urgent reform. Poland has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe which forces numerous women to turn to illegal, underground abortions and which often makes is difficult to obtain a lawful procedure.

Center for Reproductive Rights issued a fact sheet on the P. and S. v. Poland case which describes the case history, the important legal precedents, relevant human right provisions and suggested remedies. More information available online.