BETWEEN ABORTION TOURISM AND TRANSNATIONAL ABORTION ACTIVISM The impact of Polish abortion legislation on the CEE region

Abstract: This master’s thesis examines the implications of current abortion legislation in Poland on civil society in neighbouring countries, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), namely the Czech and Slovak Republic. Poland recently passed a strict abortion law that has led to widespread protests and transnational activism. The thesis uses qualitative research methods, including media analysis and interviews, to investigate the ways in which civil society in neighbouring countries is affected by this legislation. This study explores the extent to which Polish abortion laws have influenced the political and social discourse and life of the society around reproductive rights in CEE and identifies forms of cross-border (transnational) activism related to abortion issues. The current findings indicate that a certain organisation aids Polish women seeking abortions in Slovak Republic but prefers to keep their activities out of the public eye due to the possible prevalence of anti-abortion protests and threats. Consequently, Slovak Republic may contribute to a lack of accessible information for Polish women. In contrast, the Czech Republic offers a more consistent and reliable provision of abortion services for Polish women. While a Slovak-based organisation exists to aid women in need, the support network in the Czech Republic appears to be led and organised by Polish women. The study also identifies several types of cross-border activism, including formation of organisations. The thesis argues that cross-border activism is an effective strategy for promoting reproductive rights and countering restrictive legislation and provides recommendations for future advocacy efforts. This research contributes to understanding of the implications of abortion laws on civil society in neighbouring countries and highlights the importance of transnational activism in promoting reproductive rights in the CEE region.