The “Friendly state” parliamentary commission wants to implement American family law in Poland to give fathers more rights.

After a divorce both parents would secure parental rights and would have to share the duty of bringing up their child. A child, for example, would live with each of the parents for the same period of time.

Currently, in case of divorce or separation, only one spouse secures the right to look after a child and it is usually the woman. The other spouse is allowed to pay short, several-hour visits to a child, which has a negative impact on family relations, claim the MPs.

“The courts usually do not take into account that fathers are also willing to bring up a child and we want to give them the chance,” Hanna Zdanowska from the “Friendly state” commission told Tok FM radio.

Similar regulations have been implemented in the US, Germany, France and Italy.

“In Poland only five percent of fathers are granted the right to take care of their child. The rest must fight for it,” says Krzysztof Wisniewski from the Central Association for the Protection of Fathers’ and Children’s Rights.

Psychologists and pedagogues are not convinced.

“Every case should be treated individually. Childcare split between both parents may not always be the best solution,” says psychologist Justyna Dziegielewska.

It is possible that the opposition Law and Justice party will support the new family law bill, which is being drafted by the parliamentary commission. (mg/pg)