A B O R T I O N LAW is a hotly debated topic in Poland. A draft bill was introduced into Parliament in summer 1989 that would have banned abortions totally, imposing severe penalties on both physicians performing the procedure and women undergoing it. After vigorous debate, a modified second draft was submitted in summer 1990. Some aspects of the Polish debate on abortion are similar to those in other countries. For example, organizations have formed opposing or supporting the new law, and their activities include street demonstrations, letter campaigns, public debates, and petitions. However, several features distinguish Poland's experience with the abortion question. The fall of Communist governments in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe has generally been followed by more tolerant, less punitive approaches to social issues. Despite this, with respect to abortion a quite contrary trend is evident. This countertrend can best be understood in terms of this particular moment in Polish history. My report will look at Polish public opinion in the contexts of physicians' responsibility, religious belief, and the actual incidence of abortion, both legal and illegal; it will also summarize parliamentary debate on the subject and social movements that have taken shape in response to the abortion controversy.