http://www2.polskieradio.pl/eo/dokument.aspx?iid=141427

IVF bill to be passed in a year?

13.10.2010

 

Parliamentary Speaker Grzegorz Schetyna has said that MPs should pass the bill regulating in vitro fertilisation during the current electoral term.

 

Talking to Polish Radio Wednesday morning, Schetyna said that on 20 October, all projects on IVF will be presented in the Parliament and a debate will follow two days later. A special parliamentary subcommittee has also been set up to work on the projects.

 

The ruling Civic Platform has prepared two draft bills which would bring Polish legislation in line with the European Union's conventions and directives on bioethics. One project was drafted by conservative Civic Platform MP Jaroslaw Gowin, with the other written by fellow MP Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska.

 

The Parliamentary Speaker told Polish Radio that the Civic Platform authorities will not recommend any of the projects. “Members of the party will be able to decide for themselves on the outcome of voting, as the party does not want to influence personal beliefs,” said Schetyna, adding that the most important thing is to draft good law which would respect the freedom of an individual.

 

Next week, Civic Platform will also file a motion to establish a parliamentary committee which will draft amendments to the Constitution.

 

The ruling party’s MP Jaroslaw Gowin is billed to head the committee, which will consist of politicians from different parties. The amendments will include Poland’s relations with the EU, the reduction or dissolution of Senate, as well as the division of powers between the president and PM. (mg/jb)