Recent events in Poland surrounding abortion rights have sparked significant controversy, particularly the alarming experience of Dr. Gizela Jagielska, a prominent doctor in Olesnica. The issue of abortion has historically been contentious in Poland, where some of the strictest laws in Europe govern the practice. Dr. Jagielska has been at the forefront of providing legal abortions, primarily in cases where serious fetal anomalies are diagnosed, which further complicates her work amidst an increasingly hostile environment.
On April 17, 2025, Dr. Jagielska found herself in a dangerous predicament when a group of anti-abortion activists stormed her workplace, allegedly led by Grzegorz Braun, a far-right Member of the European Parliament known for his controversial stances. The scenario escalated to the point where these individuals attempted a citizen’s arrest on Dr. Jagielska, confronting her with aggressive accusations of murder. “He kept repeating that I am a murderer, and the police should arrest me as I am a dangerous person,” she recounted, highlighting the harassment she endured. Despite calling the authorities, the police did not take action against the activists, largely due to Braun’s parliamentary immunity.
The backlash against her work has not subsided since this confrontation; Dr. Jagielska has faced a barrage of threats. She shared with the BBC that she is grappling with an overwhelming volume of violent threats and abusive messages, and even bomb threats have targeted the hospital following the incident. The trauma of these events weighs heavily on her, particularly her fear for the safety of the patients in her care, exacerbated by the hostile climate surrounding abortion rights in Poland.
Dr. Jagielska has specifically expressed concern that anyone could access the hospital to harm patients seeking abortions. She has been offered police protection, which she declined, yet remains apprehensive about the potential for violence in a setting where she believes patients should feel secure and cared for. The complications that arose in her situation stemmed from a recent case where a woman received a legal late-term abortion after a severe fetal condition was diagnosed—an event that further fueled activists’ outrage.
Poland’s restrictive abortion laws, permitting the procedure only in limited circumstances—rape, incest, or if the mother’s life is at risk—pose profound challenges to women’s healthcare and autonomy. The tension surrounding this issue has only intensified due to the power dynamic shifts in Polish politics. Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government, which assumed office in late 2023, had initially signaled intentions to liberalize abortion laws, yet internal conflicts have stalled these reforms amidst a backdrop of a presidential election campaign rife with polarizing rhetoric.
Grzegorz Braun, a key figure in the opposition against abortion rights and an aspirant for the presidency, has a history of extreme statements and actions, including a recent incendiary speech during a televised debate where he made antisemitic remarks. This incident only highlights his controversial political strategy, which often involves stirring public sentiment against established norms and practices, particularly surrounding sensitive issues like abortion.
Within this heated milieu, Dr. Jagielska’s situation illustrates the broader societal and political challenges faced by healthcare providers in Poland. As two of the leading candidates in the presidential race align themselves with anti-abortion sentiments, the calls for reform tend to drown beneath the prevailing tide of conservative views.
In light of these challenges, Dr. Jagielska maintains her resolve to uphold her medical practice, asserting that she performs her duties in accordance with Polish law. “I don’t feel like a murderer,” she insists. “I feel like an obstetrician who gives proper care for women.” This conviction is crucial not just for her own well-being, but also for the countless women in Poland who rely on the medical community for safe and legal abortions in precarious situations. The examination of abortion rights in Poland through Dr. Jagielska’s experiences underscores not only personal resilience but also the pressing need for systemic change amidst growing societal polarization.