Anna Sikora highlighted the dramatic rise in participation at women's rights protests from only 50 people in 2016 to nearly 2,000 in recent years, indicating growing mobilization. She noted that these efforts were instrumental in the electoral defeat of the Law and Justice party in 2023, which had maintained some of Europe's most restrictive abortion laws. Disappointment among young women reflects the fragile nature of progress in women's reproductive rights in Poland.
The case of Izabela S., a woman who died in September 2021 after being denied a medically necessary abortion highlighted the dire conditions under the PiS government's abortion laws. Activist Anna Sikora voiced her fears that her own experience could mirror Izabela's plight, revealing the toll that restrictive policies can take on women's lives. Such cases have propelled collective action among women who demand safety and rights during pregnancy.
Sikora recounted how the protests have evolved over the years, noting that the initial small gathering of just 50 participants has transformed into mass movements against the oppressive judiciary. This surge in involvement not only shows a long-standing struggle but also emphasizes the importance of women's voices in electoral outcomes, especially concerning issues like abortion that have direct impacts on their health and agency.
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