The National Health Fund (NFZ) fined a hospital in Pabianice over PLN 550,000 for refusing an abortion. The penalty has sparked concerns among other hospitals, as the NFZ conducts inspections on facilities that also denied performing abortions. This move, seen as increasing pressure on hospitals and doctors, is part of the government’s stringent abortion policies.
Controversial Case in Pabianice
In Pabianice, the hospital’s refusal was not based on doctors’ conscience clauses but on the lack of necessary documentation from the patient. Patrycja Socha, the hospital’s spokesperson, confirmed that the patient did not provide the required documents and left without completing the necessary procedures. The hospital has appealed the fine, and if rejected, plans to take legal action.
Other hospitals, including those in Lubartów, Łódź, and Wrocław, face similar scrutiny. These cases also involve refusals due to inadequate patient documentation. In Łódź, for instance, one patient presented an invalid online certificate regarding her mental health from a non-psychiatrist, raising questions about the legitimacy of the requests.
Fear of Repercussions Among Medical Staff
The fear of hefty fines may coerce hospitals into performing abortions without proper documentation to avoid penalties. Legal experts like Magdalena Majkowska warn that this situation might lead to de facto “abortion on demand” in Poland, as doctors might refrain from asking for necessary documentation out of fear of punishment.