Chemical Castration in Poland

Human rights groups have already widely criticised a passed on 25 September that will make chemical castration mandatory for those convicted of paedophilia that meet certain conditions.

The law, pushed for by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his party, will force any person convicted of raping a child under the age of 15, or a close relative, to undergo a process of chemical castration upon their release from prison.

The prime minister justified the legislation, stating: “I don’t think protection of human rights should refer to these kind of events.”

Upon passing the law, the government released a statement explaining that the “purpose of this action is to improve the mental health of the convict, to lower his libido and thereby to reduce the risk of another crime being committed by the same person.” But those opposed to the law argue that chemical castration, an irreversible process, violates the human rights of those individuals who are forced to undergo this treatment.

The law must still be approved by the senate, which is very likely as Tusk’s Civic Platform (PO) party holds a majority.