Hundreds of Icelandic women are planning to attend a gathering on Austurvöllur square today at 5:30 pm to protest proposed changes to legislation on abortion in Poland, RÚV reports. Women in Poland, partly inspired by the Women’s Day in Iceland in 1975, are planning a general strike today, on what they call ‘Black Monday.’ On October 24, 1975, ninety percent of Icelandic women went on strike to bring attention to their essential role in society.
Poland has one of Europe’s strictest laws regarding abortion. The Polish government recently rejected a proposal to legalize abortion until the 12th week of pregnancy, as well as facilitating access to contraceptives, according to the organizers of the Austurvöllur protest.
Instead, the Polish parliament is discussing proposed changes to the legislation that would make abortion illegal under all circumstances, except when the mother’s life is in danger. If the changes become law, punishment for abortion, for the expectant mother and health care workers performing the abortion alike, would be up to five years in prison.
The video below shows Icelandic women voicing their support for women in Poland:
