Poland's government postponed the publication and implementation of a court ruling which strengthens the abortion law following an eruption of protests across the country.

Huge rallies have been staged, despite coronavirus restrictions, after a court ruled aborting foetuses with congenital defects contravenes the constitution.

Michał Dworczyk, the head of the prime minister's office, said leaders were taking time to discuss the disputed ruling and find a solution.

"There is a discussion going on, and it would be good to take some time for dialogue and for finding a new position in this situation that is difficult and stirs high emotions," Dworczyk said on Tuesday.

According to the ruling by the constitutional court in October, the only abortions allowed under law in Poland would be in cases of risk to the woman's life, or crime – meaning rape or incest.

The ruling, which was due to be officially published on Monday, has no legal power without being published.

Poland's prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, has urged for dialogue with the protesters and opposition legislators to find a way forward.

President Andrzej Duda, who is allied with the right-wing government, has proposed a new law which would allow the abortion of foetuses with life-threatening defects, but prohibit them for disorders, like Down's syndrome.

Duda's proposal is, however, viewed as still too restrictive to several people and appears unlikely to garner enough support in parliament.

More protests are planned for this week by women rights activists who are critical of Duda's proposal and Morawiecki's invitation for dialogue.

(With input from agencies)