Polish doctors jailed over 2021 death after abortion was denied
Mar 3rd 2026
Three doctors received prison terms after a 2021 maternal death linked to delays in a pregnancy termination under Poland’s strict abortion rules, sparking renewed protests and official probes.
- A Katowice court sentenced three doctors to prison for their roles in the 2021 death of a 30-year-old pregnant woman known as Izabela.
- Izabela died of septic shock at 22 weeks after doctors delayed terminating her pregnancy despite known fetal defects.
- One doctor received 18 months in prison and a six-year medical ban, a second got 15 months and a six-year ban, and the third was given one year and a four-year ban.
- Her death followed a 2020 ruling that removed severe fetal abnormality as legal grounds for abortion, tightening already restrictive Polish law.
- The case reignited nationwide protests under the slogan Not One More and prompted the health fund to fine the hospital 650,000 zloty and recommend new protocols.
- Lawyers for the doctors said they will appeal to the Supreme Court.