The 30-year-old woman, identified only as Izabela, died of septic shock at a hospital in the southern town of Pszczyna after doctors allegedly delayed terminating her unviable pregnancy, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
Her death came amid mounting fears among medical professionals following a near-total abortion ban introduced by the country’s previous right-wing government led by the Law and Justice (PiS) party.
The district court ruling, delivered this week, is not final and can be appealed. The three doctors received temporary bans on practicing medicine or other healthcare professions.
'Not one more'
Izabela was 22 weeks pregnant when she was admitted to hospital with complications, including the premature rupture of amniotic fluid and known fetal abnormalities.
Her family argued that doctors hesitated to intervene, fearing legal repercussions under the tightened abortion laws, which only permit terminations in cases of rape, incest or when the mother's life is in direct danger.
She died leaving behind a young daughter. Her death sparked nationwide protests under the slogan "Not one more," as thousands took to the streets in anger over what many saw as the chilling effect of the PiS-backed Constitutional Tribunal ruling in 2020 that further restricted access to abortion.
[POST EDYTOWANY] lista demonstracji ANI JEDNEJ WIĘCEJ / POLSKA – przeciw morderstwom i torturom na porodówkach, przeciw...
Opublikowany przez Ogólnopolski Strajk Kobiet Poniedziałek, 12 czerwca 2023
Prosecutors accused the doctors of failing to follow proper procedures and of endangering Izabela’s life. One of the medics also faced a charge of involuntary manslaughter.
During the trial, the doctors denied wrongdoing. Two provided detailed statements. The third exercised the right to remain silent.
Systemic failures
A review by Poland’s National Health Fund found widespread procedural failings at the hospital in Pszczyna, resulting in a fine of nearly PLN 650,000 (USD 160,000).
The Patient Rights Ombudsman concluded that Izabela’s rights were violated and ordered new safety protocols, including clearer procedures for responding to life-threatening emergencies and septic shock.
Although the hospital had insisted its staff acted within the law, it suspended contracts with two doctors involved in her care.
The case continues to resonate as a symbol of the human toll of Poland’s abortion restrictions, which remain among the strictest in Europe.
(mp/gs)
Source: PR24
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