In Warsaw, a novel device known as AbortOmat has appeared at an abortion center, offering a way to bypass Poland's strict abortion laws. These laws, which have been in place since 2020, prohibit abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is at risk. Previously, abortions were also allowed for severe fetal malformations or incurable diseases, which accounted for up to 96% of legal cases. According to data from the National Health Fund (NFZ) and the Council of Europe, only 846 legal abortions were performed in Poland during the first half of 2025, highlighting the severity of the restrictions.
The strict regulations have sparked large-scale protests, drawing comparisons to the anti-communist demonstrations of 1989. Pro-choice groups have been assisting women in obtaining abortion pills, despite the risk of legal consequences. While possessing or taking the pills is not illegal, helping someone obtain them can lead to up to three years in prison. In response, two feminist organizations, Women Help Women and the Abortion Dream Team, have created AbortOmat, a device that acts as an intermediary between a foreign pill supplier and the woman seeking the medication.
The AbortOmat is located at the AboTak center, a facility situated several kilometers from a traditional abortion center established in March 2025 in front of the Polish Parliament. To use the device, individuals must pass through fringed curtains into a room decorated with neon lights and prism balls, where a large pink cabinet stands. A confidential six-digit code is entered, and one of the 22 compartments opens, revealing a pink glitter envelope containing the medication. The process is entirely anonymous, designed to make the experience more discreet and less intimidating.
The creators of AbortOmat aim to normalize abortion and challenge the stigma surrounding it in a country where the Catholic Church wields considerable influence. Anti-abortion activists frequently gather in front of the center, using loudspeakers to chant accusatory messages and displaying graphic imagery. The setup, with its disco-like ambiance, is meant to reflect the "upside-down" nature of the situation, according to Kinga Jelińska, co-founder of the Abortion Dream Team. She argues that the need for abortion pills is often urgent, just like the need for everyday items like clothing or cosmetics.
Feminist groups are working to provide a more reassuring image of abortion, countering misinformation and the stigma associated with the procedure. Kinga Jelińska emphasized the need for more accessible and humane solutions. Meanwhile, the government of Donald Tusk, who was elected in December 2024, has not fulfilled his promise to "liberalize abortion" by legalizing it up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Tusk claims he lacks the necessary parliamentary support to pass such legislation, leading activists to question the reliability of political leaders in matters concerning personal autonomy.
Polish Activists Introduce Automated Abortion Pill Dispenser Amid Strict Anti-Abortion Laws
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