The decision by Polish MP’s to reject a proposed amendment to their already restrictive abortion laws is a huge victory for women and girls, said Amnesty International.

“Women in Poland made history today. This is a huge victory for the millions of women and girls who mobilized, showed their fury, and successfully blocked a law which would have taken away their rights and endangered their health,” said Gauri van Gulik, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Europe.

This is a huge victory for the millions of women and girls who mobilized, showed their fury, and successfully blocked a law which would have taken away their rights and endangered their health Gauri van Gulik, Amnesty International

“Through standing up for their rights they have forced Poland’s normally intransigent government to reconsider further restrictions to an abortion law that is already one of the most restrictive in Europe.”

“We salute all the inspirational women and girls who stood in the rain, raised their voices and went on strike on Monday to stand up for their rights.’

“A woman who needs an abortion is not a criminal and decisions about her body and her health should never be placed in the hands of politicians.”

After yesterday’s hastily organised session, which most civil society organisations were unable to attend, the Parliamentary Committee rejected the bill and the Parliament’s plenary rejected it this morning as well.