Polish activist convicted for aiding abortion

A WOMAN has been convicted for “helping with an abortion” in Poland – the first such prosecution in Europe.

The case of Justyna Wydrzyńska has been closely watched by human rights activists, who believe it will set a precedent in a country with some of Europe’s most restrictive abortion legislation.

She was accused of providing a woman, who was in an abusive relationship and sought to end her pregnancy, with abortion pills in 2020.

The charge carries a maximum threeyear prison sentence, but Wydrzyńska was ordered to serve eight months community service.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph last year the activist said: “The woman called the helpline to ask if we could help her. She shared her story about her [husband’s] violence. When she got the pills, the police were already waiting at her house. Her husband had informed them,” she said. “From the beginning, this case has been political.”

Keina Yoshida, a senior legal advisor at the Centre for Reproductive Rights, said yesterday’s conviction was “deeply concerning”. She added: “Her prosecution sets a dangerous precedent for the targeting of human rights defenders in Poland who are working to advance reproductive rights and challenge the de facto ban on abortion.”