Women to hold strike against proposed abortion ban

Following protests against a proposed total abortion ban that took place all over Poland and in major cities abroad last weekend, a general “warning strike” by all women is planned for next week. Women are encouraged to take a day off work on Monday (Oct. 3rd) to disruptively draw attention to the issue.

The current law, which according to a recent Newsweek Polska poll is supported by 74% of Poles, permits abortion in cases of rape and danger to the fetus or woman The proposed law would eliminate these exceptions, and women who break it could be jailed. It is being considered by a government committee following opponents’ attempts to dismiss it last week.

Official protests are planned on Monday in over 60 Polish cities and in 10 European capitals so far. The demonstrations should reach their peak at 6.00 pm. Many companies large and small openly support the protest and might not open on Monday, so don’t be surprised to find your favourite bar on strike.

What is going on in Krakow?

• 11.00 Gathering at Bulwar Poleski (near the Manggha Museum) for information
• 12.00–4.00 pm strike groups in following locations:
  • Bulwar Poleski: “Occupy embroidery” with Monika Drożyńska, a well-known artist – embroidering a banner (location may change in case of inclimate weather)
  • Dolnych Młynów Street: making posters & banners, BYO materials
• Blood donation – Rzeźnicza St., Wrocławska St. (militray hospital) and Żeromskiego Hosp. at os Na Skarpie 66 (Nowa Huta)
• 3.30 pm Dance Revolution at Rynek Dębnicki
• 4.30–6.00 silent march (no political slogans, no party symbols etc.):
  from Rynek Dębnicki over Dębnicki Bridge, Aleje ring road, Piłsudskiego St, Straszewskiego St, Franciszkańska St, Grodzka St, to the Main Square
• 6.00 pm the “K” (for kobiety, “women”) hour, chanting the slogan “Chcę mieć wybór”  (“I want choice”).

The organizers have prepared an English-language information leaflet, available here.

More information, updated regularly (mostly in Polish), about specific events and individual ideas can be found on Facebook.