Poland’s well being minister has weighed in on a high-profile rape case, saying it was “unacceptable” for a mentally disabled 14-year-old woman to have hassle getting a authorized abortion.
The case, during which docs at a number of hospitals used a conscience clause to keep away from performing the process, has sparked new calls to chill out the Catholic nation’s abortion legal guidelines, that are among the many strictest in Europe.
“We’re shocked by this case, our response right here is unequivocal,” Well being Minister Adam Niedzielski informed reporters.
Since a near-total ban went into impact in 2021, abortion in Poland is authorized provided that the being pregnant outcomes from a sexual assault or threatens the life or well being of the lady.
However as the present case exhibits, even authorized abortions are typically tough to acquire within the EU nation.
, who has not been publicly recognized, turned pregnant after her uncle sexually assaulted her, based on the ladies’s rights group Federa.
Federa, who was the primary to report the case, mentioned the teenager was mentally disabled and didn’t know concerning the being pregnant till her aunt came upon what had occurred and tried to assist her get an abortion.
However docs at a number of hospitals in jap Poland have refused to terminate the being pregnant, citing the so-called conscience clause that enables them to not carry out an abortion in the event that they really feel it goes in opposition to their beliefs.
Lastly, an abortion was carried out in Warsaw after Federa intervened.
“No phrase of disgust is sufficient for such conduct… however for us, a very powerful factor was to assist the woman,” Federa mentioned.
The case has prompted opposition politicians to name for a change within the legislation.
“The conscience clause is a barbaric and inhumane legislation… and it should be scrapped,” left-wing MP Katarzyna Kotula informed reporters.
Centre-left lawmaker Barbara Nowacka mentioned the opposition would draft a invoice proscribing docs’ use of the clause.
Authorities ombudsman Marcin Wiacek mentioned the case confirmed deficiencies within the authorized system and mentioned ought to have been knowledgeable of hospitals prepared to carry out the abortion.
Abortion has grow to be a political battleground in Poland since its highest courtroom sided with the right-wing authorities in late 2020 to rule abortions for fetal defects have been unconstitutional.