The Supreme Medical Council has published a position on the guidelines for abortion issued by the Ministry of Health. It claims that “the creation of guidelines for doctors is the exclusive domain of medical scientific societies”. Doubts therefore arise as to whether the guidelines will affect the situation of women.
The Supreme Medical Council has responded to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health regarding the performance of abortion procedures. “The creation of guidelines for doctors is the exclusive domain of medical scientific societies and scientific bodies, while their issuance by the Minister of Health may be perceived as an attempt to exert pressure on the medical community,” we read in the position of the Supreme Medical Council.
– No one can claim that reminding about the law in Poland is pressure – emphasizes Jakub Gołąb from the Ministry of Health. – So far, no one has officially enforced them (doctors – editor's note) to perform abortions in accordance with the regulations – points out Dr. Sabrina Mana-Walasek, permanent advisor to the parliamentary special committee for abortion, member Pro Abo Lawyers.
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The guidelines of the Ministry of Health are in fact just a reminder of the law that has been in force for thirty years, which states that a pregnancy can be terminated when a woman's life and health are at risk, both physical and mental, threatened both suddenly and in the long term. A certificate from one doctor is necessary for the procedure, it is not necessary to convene a consultation. This is contained in the guidelines.
– It is a pity that this is being done by a legal act which, according to Polish law, is not a legal act at all. It has nothing to do with reality, with the criminal and professional liability of doctors – says Dr. Artur Drobniak from the Supreme Medical Council.
“In Polish law, the fact that a fetus is deformed is absolutely not an indication for termination of pregnancy” TVN24
“Such a move was necessary”
Abortion divides doctors. There are also those who do not see threats to themselves in the new guidelines, but see an opportunity for patients. – We are happy that these guidelines clearly state that abortion should be performed in Poland, and those who do not agree with this may be penalized for it, and we are grateful for that – says Dr. Michalina Drejza, gynecologist, member of the Polish Society of Sexual and Reproductive Health.
The national gynaecology consultant suffered professional consequences – he was dismissed from his position by the Minister of Health, Izabela Leszczyna, who found that he had failed to cooperate not only on the issue of abortion, but also on the issue of childbirth and emergency contraception.
“We promised to respect women's rights (…) The national consultant can have whatever views he wants, but the basis for his decisions should be scientific evidence,” the minister said in an interview for “Dziennik Gazeta Prawna”. “Such a move was necessary to show women that they really count,” says Dr. Sabrina Mana-Walasek.
Main image source: TVN24