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Poland: Difference between revisions

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'''OVERVIEW'''  
'''OVERVIEW'''  


Poland is experiencing what some call a "sexual revolution in reverse," as the Catholic Church displays increasingly greater influence on public policy. Birth control is legal but a prescription is required. Emergency contraception (the morning after pill) is available in Poland if you're over 15 years old, but this has been challenged, and it may require a prescription in the future. You can purchase pads and tampons, and there are actually quite a few Polish menstrual cup sellers as well. Regarding STIs, there are no travel restrictions, though you may be required to take an HIV test if you plan to stay in Poland for more than three months. There seems to be no known resource for providing PrEP or PEP.  There is also no HPV vaccination program. In the past few years, the conservative government has taken a harsh stance on reproductive measures. They have announced that they will stop funding of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and that women must claim a male father in order to receive IVF treatment. Most controversially, the government has proposed a bill that would make abortion completely illegal. The current Polish abortion laws are also much more restrictive than in most other European countries, and these changes have brought a great deal of public outcry. In 2020, the Polish constitutional court ruled that it was unconstitutional to abort fetuses with birth defects. This led to a large protest movement.<ref name=":0">https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/03/poland-stalls-abortion-ban-amid-nationwide-protests</ref>
Poland is experiencing what some call a "sexual revolution in reverse,"<ref name=":1" /> as the Roman Catholic Church displays increasingly greater influence on public policy. Around 87% of the country identifies as Roman Catholic.<ref>https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-policies/eurydice/content/population-demographic-situation-languages-and-religions-56_en#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20official%20religion,of%20baptised%20people%20in%202013).</ref> Birth control is legal but a prescription is required. Emergency contraception (the morning after pill) is available in Poland if you're over 15 years old, but this has been challenged, and it may require a prescription in the future. You can purchase pads and tampons, and there are actually quite a few Polish menstrual cup sellers as well. Regarding STIs, there are no travel restrictions, though you may be required to take an HIV test if you plan to stay in Poland for more than three months. There seems to be no known resource for providing PrEP or PEP.  There is also no HPV vaccination program. In the past few years, the conservative government has taken a harsh stance on reproductive measures. They have announced that they will stop funding of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and that women must claim a male father in order to receive IVF treatment. Most controversially, the government has proposed a bill that would make abortion completely illegal. The current Polish abortion laws are also much more restrictive than in most other European countries, and these changes have brought a great deal of public outcry. In 2020, the Polish constitutional court ruled that it was unconstitutional to abort fetuses with birth defects. This led to a large protest movement in the country.<ref name=":0">https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/03/poland-stalls-abortion-ban-amid-nationwide-protests</ref> testttt


==Contraception (Birth Control)==
==Contraception (Birth Control)==
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Historically, some of the earliest changes came in 1991, when the Polish government removed subsidies for birth control, thereby tripling the price. As reported by the New York Times in 1991, "Since June 1989, when Poland's first non-Communist leaders in half a century took office, elements in the country's Catholic church have been pressing for parliamentary adoption of laws reflecting the church's social agenda. In the last year the Government has introduced voluntary religion classes in the public schools and tightened divorce laws."<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/09/world/poland-ends-subsidies-for-birth-control-pills.html Poland Ends Subsidies for Birth Control Pills]</ref> In the past few years, the Catholic Church has vocally opposed public education on family planning, LGBT rights and sex education. The Church was most recently inflamed by "gender workshops," which encouraged sex education for young people. In response, the Church supported posters that stated “Protect Your Child Against Gender," which were plastered around schools in 2013.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/27/opinion/sierakowski-the-polish-churchs-gender-problem.html?_r=2 The Polish Church’s Gender Problem]</ref> As reported by the New York Times in early 2014, "Almost every day there are new pronouncements warning against gender ideology, for example, as when a priest commented in a talk in Poznan that 'gender leads to the devastation of families' and 'is associated with radical feminism, which advocates for abortion, the employment of women and the detention of children in preschools.'"<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/27/opinion/sierakowski-the-polish-churchs-gender-problem.html?_r=2 The Polish Church’s Gender Problem]</ref>
Historically, some of the earliest changes came in 1991, when the Polish government removed subsidies for birth control, thereby tripling the price. As reported by the New York Times in 1991, "Since June 1989, when Poland's first non-Communist leaders in half a century took office, elements in the country's Catholic church have been pressing for parliamentary adoption of laws reflecting the church's social agenda. In the last year the Government has introduced voluntary religion classes in the public schools and tightened divorce laws."<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/09/world/poland-ends-subsidies-for-birth-control-pills.html Poland Ends Subsidies for Birth Control Pills]</ref> In the past few years, the Catholic Church has vocally opposed public education on family planning, LGBT rights and sex education. The Church was most recently inflamed by "gender workshops," which encouraged sex education for young people. In response, the Church supported posters that stated “Protect Your Child Against Gender," which were plastered around schools in 2013.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/27/opinion/sierakowski-the-polish-churchs-gender-problem.html?_r=2 The Polish Church’s Gender Problem]</ref> As reported by the New York Times in early 2014, "Almost every day there are new pronouncements warning against gender ideology, for example, as when a priest commented in a talk in Poznan that 'gender leads to the devastation of families' and 'is associated with radical feminism, which advocates for abortion, the employment of women and the detention of children in preschools.'"<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/27/opinion/sierakowski-the-polish-churchs-gender-problem.html?_r=2 The Polish Church’s Gender Problem]</ref>


Overall, Polish society is at a crossroads. Birth control pills are still legal, but sex education is very limited and, as reported by the New York Times, "even scientists speak in one voice with the church..."<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/11/poland-sexual-revolution-reverse-education-contraception Poland is having a sexual revolution in reverse]</ref> This means that less and less women may be educated on contraceptives in the future, and there may be increasing problems related to accessibility, information and social stigma.
Overall, Polish society is at a crossroads. Birth control pills are still legal, but sex education is very limited and, as reported by the New York Times, "even scientists speak in one voice with the church..."<ref name=":1">[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/11/poland-sexual-revolution-reverse-education-contraception Poland is having a sexual revolution in reverse]</ref> This means that less and less women may be educated on contraceptives in the future, and there may be increasing problems related to accessibility, information and social stigma.


===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
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If you choose to get a prescription through the public health care system (NFZ), the appointment may be free. If you get an appointment at a private clinic, you will pay more. Birth control pills are about 30-50 PLN (Polish Zloty) for a one month supply. The ring is about 80 PLN for a month supply.
If you choose to get a prescription through the public health care system (NFZ), the appointment may be free. If you get an appointment at a private clinic, you will pay more. Birth control pills are about 30-50 PLN (Polish Zloty) for a one month supply. The ring is about 80 PLN for a month supply.


==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)==
==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill) ==


'''Important Notes:''' Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC '''as soon as possible''' after unprotected sex. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. For general information on emergency contraceptives, click [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception here] and [http://ec.princeton.edu/info/ecp.html here].
'''Important Notes:''' Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC '''as soon as possible''' after unprotected sex. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. For general information on emergency contraceptives, click [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception here] and [http://ec.princeton.edu/info/ecp.html here].


===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas ===


'''UPDATE: The Polish President has approved a law that makes emergency contraception prescription-only. The law will go into effect in August 2017.'''<ref>[https://mic.com/articles/180798/poland-makes-emergency-contraception-a-prescription-only-drug-even-for-rape-survivors#.1SugsYKqY Poland makes emergency contraception a prescription-only drug — even for rape survivors]</ref>
'''UPDATE: The Polish President has approved a law that makes emergency contraception prescription-only. The law will go into effect in August 2017.'''<ref>[https://mic.com/articles/180798/poland-makes-emergency-contraception-a-prescription-only-drug-even-for-rape-survivors#.1SugsYKqY Poland makes emergency contraception a prescription-only drug — even for rape survivors]</ref>
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The information below is provided by the [http://ec.princeton.edu/ Princeton EC Website]:
The information below is provided by the [http://ec.princeton.edu/ Princeton EC Website]:


''Dedicated Products / Anti-Progestin
''Dedicated Products / Anti-Progestin''
Take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex:''<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref>
Take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex:''<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref>''
* ellaOne (visit the [http://www.ellaone.pl/ Polish ellaOne website for details])
*ellaOne (visit the [http://www.ellaone.pl/ Polish ellaOne website for details])


''Dedicated Products / Progestin Only
''Dedicated Products / Progestin Only''
Take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex:''<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref>
Take 1 pill within 120 hours after unprotected sex:''<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref>''
* Escapelle
*Escapelle


''Take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex:''<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref>
''Take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex:''<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref>
* Postinor Duo
*Postinor Duo


''Oral Contraceptives used for EC / Progestin-Estrogen Combined
''Oral Contraceptives used for EC / Progestin-Estrogen Combined''
Note: in 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used
Note: in 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used
Take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later:''<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref>
Take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later:''<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref>''
* Microgynon
*Microgynon
* Minisiston
*Minisiston
* Rigevidon
*Rigevidon
* Stediril 30
*Stediril 30


===Costs===
===Costs===
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In Poland, you can find anonymous STI testing and treatment (see below for details). There is currently no Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) available in Poland. While Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is available in Europe, it's difficult to determine if it is available in Poland.
In Poland, you can find anonymous STI testing and treatment (see below for details). There is currently no Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) available in Poland. While Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is available in Europe, it's difficult to determine if it is available in Poland.


====Testing Facilities====
====Testing Facilities ====


* If you're employed in Poland and have health insurance, you'll need to get the right paperwork in order. To do this, go to a local/family doctor ("lekarz rodzinny" in Polish) and ask for a referral ("skierowanie" in Polish) for a facility that does comprehensive check-ups, including blood tests. Then, you visit the facility and register there. You can choose to do a public facility, which should be free but could have very long wait times for appointments (some people have reported waiting for months). Alternatively, you can go to a private facility, which will be more costly but should be efficient.
*If you're employed in Poland and have health insurance, you'll need to get the right paperwork in order. To do this, go to a local/family doctor ("lekarz rodzinny" in Polish) and ask for a referral ("skierowanie" in Polish) for a facility that does comprehensive check-ups, including blood tests. Then, you visit the facility and register there. You can choose to do a public facility, which should be free but could have very long wait times for appointments (some people have reported waiting for months). Alternatively, you can go to a private facility, which will be more costly but should be efficient.
* For local recommendations of testing sites, please visit the city pages, like the [[Warsaw]] pages.
*For local recommendations of testing sites, please visit the city pages, like the [[Warsaw]] pages.


====Support====
====Support====


* [http://www.gwiazdanadziei.pl Star of Hope Foundation]: Helps people dealing with hepatitis and liver disease. Address: Henryka Dąbrowskiego 22, Katowice 40-032, Poland. Email: a.drabik14@wp.pl, fundacja@gwiazdanadziei.pl. T: +48 60 971 122. T: +48 323 537 664. M: +48 693 448 559.
*[http://www.gwiazdanadziei.pl Star of Hope Foundation]: Helps people dealing with hepatitis and liver disease. Address: Henryka Dąbrowskiego 22, Katowice 40-032, Poland. Email: a.drabik14@wp.pl, fundacja@gwiazdanadziei.pl. T: +48 60 971 122. T: +48 323 537 664. M: +48 693 448 559.
* [http://www.monar.org Monar]: Address:  ul. Nowolipki 9b, 00-151 Warszawa, Telephone:  +48 22 635 9509, Fax: +48 22 530 6281, Email:  biuro@monar.org  
*[http://www.monar.org Monar]: Address:  ul. Nowolipki 9b, 00-151 Warszawa, Telephone:  +48 22 635 9509, Fax: +48 22 530 6281, Email:  biuro@monar.org
* [http://www.aids.gov.pl National AIDS Centre]: Address:  Ministry of Health, ul. Samsonowska 1, 02-829 Warsaw, Telephone:  +48 22 331 77 55, Fax:  +48 22 331 77 76, Email: aids@aids.gov.pl.
*[http://www.aids.gov.pl National AIDS Centre]: Address:  Ministry of Health, ul. Samsonowska 1, 02-829 Warsaw, Telephone:  +48 22 331 77 55, Fax:  +48 22 331 77 76, Email: aids@aids.gov.pl.
* [http://www.netplus.org.pl Polish National Network of PLWHA "SIEC PLUS"]: Address:  Ul. Modzelewskiego 63, 02-679 Warszawa, Telephone:  +48 22 844 7710, Email:  plus.psycholog@gmail.com
* [http://www.netplus.org.pl Polish National Network of PLWHA "SIEC PLUS"]: Address:  Ul. Modzelewskiego 63, 02-679 Warszawa, Telephone:  +48 22 844 7710, Email:  plus.psycholog@gmail.com
* [http://stowarzyszeniejedenswiat.wordpress.com Stowarzyszenie Profilaktyki i Wsparcia w zakresie HIV/AIDS “Jeden Świat," Association for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Social Support “One World”]: Address:  ul. Ściegiennego 89/28, 30-809 Krakow, Telephone:  +48 535 348 225, Email:  jedenswiat.krakow@gmail.com.
*[http://stowarzyszeniejedenswiat.wordpress.com Stowarzyszenie Profilaktyki i Wsparcia w zakresie HIV/AIDS “Jeden Świat," Association for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Social Support “One World”]: Address:  ul. Ściegiennego 89/28, 30-809 Krakow, Telephone:  +48 535 348 225, Email:  jedenswiat.krakow@gmail.com.


===Costs===
===Costs===
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===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===


===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It ===


If you come down with a yeast infection, ask the pharmacist for a generic version of "Fluconazole." Regarding HPV, there seems to be no national HPV vaccination program in place, despite the fact that many other European nations have adopted such programs.<ref>[http://www.hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/POL_FS.pdf HPV Information Centre: Poland, Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers, Fact Sheet 2016]</ref>
If you come down with a yeast infection, ask the pharmacist for a generic version of "Fluconazole." Regarding HPV, there seems to be no national HPV vaccination program in place, despite the fact that many other European nations have adopted such programs.<ref>[http://www.hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/POL_FS.pdf HPV Information Centre: Poland, Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers, Fact Sheet 2016]</ref>
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===Costs===
===Costs===


==Menstruation==
== Menstruation==


'''Note:''' In addition to pads and tampons, you can also use menstrual cups and menstrual underwear for your period. To learn more about menstrual cups, click [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstrual_cup here]. To learn more about menstrual underwear, click [http://menstrualcupreviews.net/best-period-panties-reviews/ here].
'''Note:''' In addition to pads and tampons, you can also use menstrual cups and menstrual underwear for your period. To learn more about menstrual cups, click [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstrual_cup here]. To learn more about menstrual underwear, click [http://menstrualcupreviews.net/best-period-panties-reviews/ here].
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If women want to receive abortions, one of the most common options is to travel to [[Germany]].
If women want to receive abortions, one of the most common options is to travel to [[Germany]].


* [https://womenhelp.org/en/page/405/ciocia-basia-germany Ciocia Basia]: "Ciocia Basia is an activist group created to support women who want to come to Berlin to have an abortion. We facilitate contact and appointments with confidential, non-judgemental counsellors and medical professionals who offer the abortion pill for 150 E and the surgical abortion for 170 E. We also help with the translation into and from Polish. We try to reduce the amount of time you have to stay in Berlin for the procedure to only one day. We can provide free accommodation in volunteer homes in Berlin if needed. We do not profit financially from our activism! Contact: ciocia.basia@riseup.net, 0049 15210385680." Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ciocia-Basia-728670193835998/
*[https://womenhelp.org/en/page/405/ciocia-basia-germany Ciocia Basia]: "Ciocia Basia is an activist group created to support women who want to come to Berlin to have an abortion. We facilitate contact and appointments with confidential, non-judgemental counsellors and medical professionals who offer the abortion pill for 150 E and the surgical abortion for 170 E. We also help with the translation into and from Polish. We try to reduce the amount of time you have to stay in Berlin for the procedure to only one day. We can provide free accommodation in volunteer homes in Berlin if needed. We do not profit financially from our activism! Contact: ciocia.basia@riseup.net, 0049 15210385680." Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ciocia-Basia-728670193835998/
* [https://www.maszwybor.net Kobiety w Sieci]: "Kobiety w Sieci’s mission is to give all women information how to get abortion in Poland, legal and restricted. We give women virtual mental support while they are during the process of abortion. Our work is not only about abortion, we also support the choices of contraceptive methods, including contraception after abortion." Social media: https://www.facebook.com/kobiety.wsieci. Email: womenhelp@riseup.net
* [https://www.maszwybor.net Kobiety w Sieci]: "Kobiety w Sieci’s mission is to give all women information how to get abortion in Poland, legal and restricted. We give women virtual mental support while they are during the process of abortion. Our work is not only about abortion, we also support the choices of contraceptive methods, including contraception after abortion." Social media: https://www.facebook.com/kobiety.wsieci. Email: womenhelp@riseup.net
* [https://womenhelp.org Women Help Women]: "Through the online abortion and contraceptive service Women Help Women  those in need can get access to abortion pills (up to 9 weeks of pregnancy), as well as contraceptives (contraceptive pills, emergency contraception, female and male condoms. The products are sent by post to an indicated home address. Online support of trained counselors is available in Polish and 6 other languages for those seeking help and information."
*[https://womenhelp.org Women Help Women]: "Through the online abortion and contraceptive service Women Help Women  those in need can get access to abortion pills (up to 9 weeks of pregnancy), as well as contraceptives (contraceptive pills, emergency contraception, female and male condoms. The products are sent by post to an indicated home address. Online support of trained counselors is available in Polish and 6 other languages for those seeking help and information."


===Costs===
===Costs ===


If a woman receives a legal abortion and she is a recipient of Polish health insurance, her abortion will be covered by the government. According to some reports, underground abortions in Poland go for up to 4000 euros.<ref>[https://news.vice.com/article/a-drone-is-flying-abortion-pills-from-germany-to-poland-this-weekend A Drone Is Flying Abortion Pills From Germany to Poland This Weekend]</ref>
If a woman receives a legal abortion and she is a recipient of Polish health insurance, her abortion will be covered by the government. According to some reports, underground abortions in Poland go for up to 4000 euros.<ref>[https://news.vice.com/article/a-drone-is-flying-abortion-pills-from-germany-to-poland-this-weekend A Drone Is Flying Abortion Pills From Germany to Poland This Weekend]</ref>
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===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===


* Women's Rights Center in Warsaw, a nongovernmental organization, Urszula Nowakowska, director. E-mail: temida@pleaurn.edu.pl
*Women's Rights Center in Warsaw, a nongovernmental organization, Urszula Nowakowska, director. E-mail: temida@pleaurn.edu.pl
* [http://free.ngo.pl./temida Centrum Praw Kobiet Women's Rights Center]: 00-679 Warsaw, Ul. Wilcza 60 #19, Email: temida@medianet.com.pl
*[http://free.ngo.pl./temida Centrum Praw Kobiet Women's Rights Center]: 00-679 Warsaw, Ul. Wilcza 60 #19, Email: temida@medianet.com.pl


===Costs===
===Costs===
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==List of Additional Resources==
==List of Additional Resources==


* Lambda Warszawa Association (Lambda Warsaw Association) - The oldest running Polish LGBT organization
*Lambda Warszawa Association (Lambda Warsaw Association) - The oldest running Polish LGBT organization
* [http://www.cpk.org.pl/ The Center for Women’s Rights]: "The Center for Women’s Rights  is an organization committed to ensuring the equal rights of men and women in the public and private spheres. In all our work, we are driven by the conviction that the rights of women are an integral, inseparable part of the fundamental humans rights all should enjoy. Violence against women, regardless of whether perpetrated by an individual abuser, by a section of society, or by government, constitutes a human rights violation."
*[http://www.cpk.org.pl/ The Center for Women’s Rights]: "The Center for Women’s Rights  is an organization committed to ensuring the equal rights of men and women in the public and private spheres. In all our work, we are driven by the conviction that the rights of women are an integral, inseparable part of the fundamental humans rights all should enjoy. Violence against women, regardless of whether perpetrated by an individual abuser, by a section of society, or by government, constitutes a human rights violation."
* [http://swannet.org/en/members/support-and-development-human-rights-foundation Support and Development of Human Rights Foundation]: Offers free legal counseling to sex workers. You can email Justyna Sobeyko: justynasobeyko@poczta.fm
*[http://swannet.org/en/members/support-and-development-human-rights-foundation Support and Development of Human Rights Foundation]: Offers free legal counseling to sex workers. You can email Justyna Sobeyko: justynasobeyko@poczta.fm


==References==
==References==
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