Polish lawmakers were forced to reject legislature that if passed would have ensured an almost total ban of abortion in Poland. Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in the streets to voice their dissatisfaction. The anti-abortion campaign group that originally proposed the legislature was outraged when the Law and Justice party (PIS) called an emergency parliamentary committee late on Wednesday.

Poland already observes strict abortion laws but under the proposed legislature, abortions would only be allowed in emergencies. Specifically if there is a direct danger to the mother’s life. That means abortion would not be allowed in the case of rape, incest, other serious health issues for the mother, or if the baby is likely to be permanently disabled.

“PiS continues to back the protection of life,” party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski told parliament. “And it will continue to take action in this respect but it will be considered action.”

This is especially worrying for PiS since the socially conservative party drew its supporters from a wide range of people including many of the women that joined in the protests. They won power by promising boosted economic growth and to directly help those in lower economic standing. It is unknown how this event affected the mass’ view on PiS.