Dorota was only in week 20 when the amniotic fluid broke. She is admitted to hospital and is prescribed bed rest.
Three days later, Dorota dies. The cause of death is sepsis, a condition where an infection causes the organs to stop working.
According to her husband, the couple never received any information that Dorota’s life could be in danger. They were also not told that the chances of the child’s survival were small and that an abortion could save Dorota’s life.
The hospital made a mistake
Poland’s Minister of Health emphasized this week that women have the right to an abortion when there is a risk to the woman’s life or health. And the message was presented at the same press conference where Poland’s ombudsman for patient rights stated that the hospital had made a mistake.
Critics, however, believe that the death is a consequence of the tightening of the abortion ban in the country. Since 2021, abortion is prohibited even when the fetus is unviable. According to the women’s movement, doctors have since become restrictive with abortion, even when there is a risk to the woman’s life.
Criticism of the medical profession
Marta Lempart leads the Polish women’s rights movement “Strajk kobiety”. Their criticism is now directed not only at the ruling party’s opposition to abortion, but also at the medical profession.
– Yes, it is the Law and Justice Party that gave the medical profession the opportunity, the excuse, to torture patients and watch them die. But the fact that some doctors eagerly take advantage of this is entirely the responsibility of the doctors.
Five deaths after new abortion ban
At least five women have lost their lives following the tightening of the abortion union, according to the women’s rights movement. Friday’s protests go under the slogan #NotOneMore and criticism of Polish hospital care is harsh.
Marta Lempart, urges Polish women to be prepared to seek contact with lawyers, voluntary organizations and the media when receiving hospital care.
– Don’t believe a word of what they (the hospital’s editor’s note) say. Don’t trust them. Otherwise you will be next, says Lempart and continues.