U.N. Demands Poland Overturn Anti-Abortion Laws

LifeSite ^ | November 9, 2004

[NYer]

GENEVA, November 9, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) concluded a review on Poland's compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), demanding that the mostly-Catholic nation "liberalize" its abortion laws. The UN committee composed of 18 UN human rights "experts" from various countries met with Polish officials on October 27 and 28, making its observations and recommendations on November 4.

While, the UN itself and the ICCPR specifically does not officially promote abortion, both the organization and the committee enforcing the ICCPR have often been criticized for meddling in the contentious issue. The November 4 statement of the UNHRC is particularly blunt in demanding Poland legalize abortion. "The State Party should liberalize its legislation and practice on abortion," it said.

The Committee reiterated its "deep concern about restrictive abortion laws in Poland" and also pushed contraception and sex-education. "The State party should assure the availability of contraceptives and free access to family planning services and methods. The Ministry of Education should ensure that schools include accurate and objective sexual education in their curricula," said the report.

The UNHRC also addressed the politically hot topic of discrimination on the basis of "sexual orientation." The report stated, "The Committee is concerned that the right of sexual minorities not to be discriminated against is not fully recognised, and that discriminatory acts and attitudes against persons on the ground of sexual orientation are not adequately investigated and punished." The committee demanded that "The State Party should provide appropriate training to law enforcement and judicial officials in order to sensitise them to the rights of sexual minorities. Discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation should be specifically prohibited in Polish law."

Lech Kowalewski, spokesman for the Polish Federation of Pro-life Movements told LifeSiteNews.com that the report was a "UN attack on the sovereignty of Poland." Kowalewski is concerned that the UN report may influence the Polish government to adopt a pro-abortion bill which is under consideration (See LifeSiteNews.com coverage of the bill http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2004/oct/04101802.html )

Abortion supporters in the Polish Parliament welcomed the UN demands. "These regulations have to be changed but that needs serious discussion," Cezary Mizejewski, secretary of state at the Social Affairs Ministry, told Reuters Monday. "It is good that we have (the U.N.) report and it will reopen this discussion. We cannot keep to the old view that everything is fine and just close our eyes," he said.

However, Anna Sobecka, a parliamentarian from the Polish League of Families remained firm. "Abortion should be completely outlawed ... Abortion is manslaughter, it's murder," she said. "What is a baby, even one created by rape, guilty of that we commit him to death?"

The members of the UNHCR and their countries of origin are: Abdelfattah Amor (Tunisia); Nisuke Ando (Japan); Prafullachandra Natwarlal Bhagwati (India); Alfredo Castillero Hoyos (Panama); Christine Chanet (France); Franco Depasquale (Malta); Maurice Glèlè-Ahanhanzo (Benin); Walter Kälin (Switzerland); Ahmed Tawfik Khalil (Egypt); Rajsoomer Lallah (Mauritius); Rafael Rivas Posada (Colombia); Sir Nigel Rodley (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland); Martin Scheinin (Finland); Ivan Shearer (Australia); Hipolito Solari-Yrigoyen (Argentina); Ruth Wedgwood (United States of America); Roman Wieruszewski (Poland); and Maxwell Yalden (Canada).

See the UN press release on the proceedings:
http://www.unog.ch/news2/documents/newsen/ct04020e...

[Issaquahking]

Hey U.N. F.O.A.D. we are no longer members of the U.N.. We are members of the "Coalition of the Willing". We also suggest that you to go screw yourself.

Think kofi and clowns would get it, if Poland sends such a message?

[George W. Bush]

Ruth Wedgwood (United States of America)

Why is the administration allowing this sow to try to impose abortion on Poland?

Remove her.

[NYer]

Remember how Poland greeted the floating abortion ship?

The Dutch 'abortion ship' Langenort came to Poland last year in an effort to campaign for abortion and offer abortions at sea

[.45MAN]

Looks like another country needs to think about pulling out of the UN.

[lizol]

Abortion toaday is allowed in Poland in 3 cases:
1) When pregnancy is a result of a crime (rape, sexual relation with a juvenile person or incest)

2) When pregancy is a threat to woman's life.

3) when a phoetus is heavily genetically damaged.

It is not allowed on demand or for so called "social" reasons.

[Destro]

I did not know that and it sounds doubtful because I assumed (and when you assume - you know the joke) the EU has standard lax abortion laws.

And it would be allowed because the Polish Communists are in power - and it does not sound like they would be anti-abortion.

[lizol]

I'm right, believe me. I'm 32 years old, and I've been living in this country (Poland) for the same period of time.
I'm a lawyer for 8 years, so I'm more or less oriented in Polish legal system. A bit better - I suppose - than an American Freeper - with all due respect.

[Destro]

It must have been a law Solidarity passed before they lost the elections to the Socialists-ex Communists?

[lizol]

Yes, it was.

The post-communist wanted to change this law just before the election in 1997 (which they lost). They passed an act that allowed abortion because of "social" reasons (practically on demand) and for some short time in was in action.

But this act was braught to the Constitutional Tribunal (something like the US Supreme Court) and the Tribunal found it unconstitutional.

That's why it's very difficult for them to change it now, even though they're in power.

[Destro]

Figured. That is why I was confused. Thanks.

[little jeremiah]

The abortion ship was greeted with booing and yelling crowds who threw red paint and refused to let it dock. A Catholic (Bishop?) blasted the ship, accusing the abortionists of coming to Poland to murder Polish citizens. There were at least a couple of articles about it on FR.

[libs_kma]

Poland ought to tell the U.N. to shove it. What are they gonna do? Invade Poland? With what? The French?

[little jeremiah]

I think it'll be interesting to see the reaction of the Poles. They aren't the groveling type.

;-)

[Condor51]

I'm pretty sure I could have got around that but it would have meant some 'fancy' HTML coding but I didn't have the time.

[telder1]

Anyone know how United Nations appointments are handled? State Dept? What's the process? i.e. Who appoints them, for how long do they hold office and how can they be removed? Possible starting point...

[Dajjal]

This is an outrage!!!

[jamz]

Poland to UN...fark off

[Hat-Trick]

The members of the UNHCR and their countries of origin are: ........ Ruth Wedgwood (United States of America);

Read more about the enemy within here

[Aquinasfan]

The Committee reiterated its "deep concern about restrictive abortion laws in Poland" and also pushed contraception and sex-education.

The Committee can go to hell.

[Aquinasfan]

Sounds like they borrowed the agenda from the Department of Education here at home.

Ideology begins in think-tanks and foundations and then spreads like a disease.