%0 Thesis
%9 Master
%A Szachna, Kasia
%D 2024
%F theses_frw:4737
%P 35
%T Politicians, Priests, Prosecutors: Who Governs Pregnancy in Poland?
%U https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/4737/
%X This article investigates the political, social, and cultural dynamics influencing abortion law-making in Poland, a nation with some of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe. Through discourse analysis of the Polish parliamentary debate held on April 11, 2024, the research uncovers the arguments and strategies employed by both pro-choice and anti-abortion advocates. The study identifies fourteen discourses and strategies, including human rights, emotional appeals, legal arguments, and whataboutism, highlighting a nuanced rhetorical landscape. The findings reveal a notable shift from religious to secular arguments and an increase in logical fallacies, reflecting the evolving nature of the debate. Additionally, the study situates the Polish debate within the broader European context, drawing comparisons with Ireland and Finland to underscore unique and shared elements in abortion discourse. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of how biopower, post-socialist economic transformation, political ideologies, and socio-cultural factors shape reproductive rights discussions and policy-making in Poland.