Poland has improved its position in the European Contraception Atlas and is now fifth from the bottom, but still ranks poorly in access to contraceptives.
For six years, Poland ranked last in the European Contraception Atlas but has moved up to fifth from the bottom in the latest report. The country achieved a score of 38.9 percent, an improvement from 33.5 percent the previous year. It is now positioned above Russia, Turkey, Hungary, and Slovakia, but still ranks worse than Belarus, which is troubling for advocates of reproductive rights in Poland.
Each year, the European Parliament's Forum on Sexual and Reproductive Rights compiles this ranking, highlighting the disparities in access to contraceptives across Europe. Poland's persistent low ranking has been a cause for concern among health and rights advocacy groups. The report indicates that Poland still provides no contraceptive options, contrasting sharply with countries like France and Portugal, which have comprehensive access.
Despite the improvements, the ranking underscores ongoing challenges in reproductive health policy in Poland. Discussions around contraceptive access remain contentious, and the recent data reflects the struggles faced by individuals seeking reproductive health services. The need to reform these policies is evident as access to contraceptive methods continues to affect women's health and autonomy.
