The activists fighting for abortion access in Poland - BBC 100 Women, BBC World Service

Key Concepts:

• Abortion ban in Poland: Near-total ban, with exceptions for rape, incest, or threat to a woman's life or health.
• Foetal abnormality: Prior to 2020, a common reason for legal abortions; now outlawed.
• "Freezing effect": Doctors' hesitation to perform abortions due to fear of prosecution.
• Sepsis: A life-threatening complication of infection, cited in cases where women died after being denied abortions.
• Abortion pills: Obtained via organizations operating abroad, as abortion on demand is illegal in Poland.
• Ordo Iuris: A conservative Catholic legal organization that lobbied to outlaw abortion due to foetal abnormalities.
• Federer: A Women's Rights NGO campaigning against the abortion ban.
• Windows of Life: Places where women can anonymously leave babies.

1. The Abortion Ban in Poland and its Exceptions

• Poland has a near-total ban on abortion, permissible only in cases of rape, incest, or a threat to a woman's life or health.
• A 2020 ruling made abortion illegal even when a foetus is unlikely to survive birth.
• This has led to widespread protests and accusations of violating fundamental human rights.

2. The Case of Dorota and the "Freezing Effect"

• Dorota, a 33-year-old pregnant woman, died of septic shock after her waters broke early.
• Her family alleges doctors hesitated to terminate the pregnancy, fearing prosecution under the stricter abortion laws.
• Three doctors have been charged in connection with her death.
• The family's lawyer, Jolanta Bozalska, believes this case exemplifies a "freezing effect," where doctors are afraid to perform abortions, even when medically necessary.
• Since the near-total ban, at least six women have died after not receiving the procedure in time.

3. The Case of Izabela Sajbor

• Izabela Sajbor died of sepsis in September 2021, following pregnancy complications.
• In July 2025, three doctors were found guilty of directly endangering Izabela's life.
• Her family alleges doctors delayed care through fear of legal consequences.
• Both cases highlight the potential consequences of the restrictive abortion laws on women's health.

4. Accessing Abortion Pills and Support Networks

• Abortion on demand is illegal in Poland, but women can obtain abortion pills via organizations operating abroad.
• Abortion centre AboTak provides information and support to women seeking to terminate their pregnancies.
• They offer a safe space for women to take abortion pills with support.

5. The Role of Religion and Ideology

• Catholicism plays a significant role in shaping Poland's abortion laws and public attitudes.
• Anti-abortionists argue they are defending the values of a Catholic nation and the right to life.
• Katarzyna Gesiak from Ordo Iuris argues that Polish law allows abortion when a woman's life or health is threatened.
• Ordo Iuris was instrumental in outlawing abortion due to foetal abnormalities in 2020.

6. The Impact of the Ban on Foetal Abnormality Cases

• Prior to the ban, almost 98% of legal abortions were performed due to foetal abnormalities.
• Antonina from Women's Rights NGO, Federer, campaigns against the ban, arguing it leaves women alone in difficult situations.
• Federer successfully lobbied for a threat to a woman's mental health to be an exception to the ban.
• They argue that denying abortion in cases of foetal malformation can be classified as torture and inhuman treatment.

7. Challenges Faced by Pro-Choice Campaigners

• Campaigners face threats and harassment from anti-abortion activists.
• Examples include aggressive protests, physical harassment, and online threats.

8. Alternative Solutions Offered by Anti-Abortion Groups

• Anti-abortion groups suggest that women who do not want to raise their children should leave them in hospitals or "Windows of Life."
• "Windows of Life" are places where women can anonymously leave babies without legal consequences.

9. Public Opinion and Statistics

• Polls suggest that 56% of Poles support abortion in most or all cases, while 34% believe it should be illegal in these circumstances.

10. Conclusion

The abortion debate in Poland is deeply complex, influenced by religion, history, and politics. The near-total ban on abortion has led to tragic consequences, with women dying after being denied necessary medical care. While anti-abortion groups offer alternative solutions like "Windows of Life," pro-choice campaigners argue that women should have the right to choose and access safe abortion services. The debate continues to divide the nation, with both sides passionately advocating for their respective positions.