Poland debates linking women's retirement age to motherhood

Minister of Funds and Regional Policy Katarzyna Pełczyńska‑Nałęcz suggested that the retirement age for women be tied to motherhood, allowing mothers to retire at 60 while childless women would retire at 65, the same as men. The proposal sparked constitutional concerns, with lawyers citing equality and anti‑discrimination clauses, and it ignited a public debate about demographic challenges.

Family, Labour and Social Policy Minister Agnieszka Dziemianowicz‑Bąk dismissed the idea as “scandalous” and “cruel,” promising that as long as the left‑wing coalition remains in government there will be no increase in retirement ages for either gender. Polls commissioned by Super Express and Ariadna for WP show strong public opposition: 62 % of respondents reject the plan, with 49 % explicitly against linking retirement to having children. No legislative bill has been introduced, and the discussion remains in the political arena.

Current Polish law sets the retirement age at 60 for women and 65 for men. The debate reflects broader concerns over an ageing population, projected median ages rising above 50 by 2060, and declining birth rates, especially in Warsaw.