Poland debates linking women’s retirement age to parenthood

Minister of Funds and Regional Policy Katarzyna Pełczyńska‑Nałęcz has suggested that childless women should retire at 65, the same age as men, while mothers could keep the current 60‑year threshold. She argues the reform is needed because the state adds about 160 billion złoty annually to pension payouts, a figure that is rising as the working‑age population shrinks. Demographic data show Poland’s fertility rate falling to a historic low, with Warsaw’s total‑fertility rate dropping to 0.9 children per woman.

The proposal has drawn mixed reactions. Pension experts warn it could disadvantage women who are unable or choose not to have children and may raise constitutional questions. ZUS president Liwiusz Laska called the idea “skeptical” and highlighted potential legal challenges. Left‑wing Equality Minister Katarzyna Kotula opposed equalising retirement ages, pointing out that women still perform the majority of household work – “women do most of the housework” – and said broader gender equality must be addressed first. An alternative suggestion is to reward parents with extra pension points. No legislation has been drafted; the reform would require coalition agreement and further public debate.