Abortion Activist Justyna Wydrzyńska Found Guilty in Landmark Polish Case
In a chilling first for Europe, abortion campaigner Justyna Wydrzyńska was found guilty today (14 March) of helping a woman access abortion pills. She was sentenced to eight months of community service and fined, although she was cleared of charges relating to intent to supply medicine commercially.
Founding Abortion Dream Team Member on Trial
Justyna is a co-founder of the Abortion Dream Team, a group fighting for abortion rights in Poland’s heavily restricted environment. In 2020, she sent abortion pills to a woman known as “Ania” and has steadfastly refused to express regret for her actions.
Outrage from Pro-Choice Leaders
Charlotte Fischer, chair of the Abortion Support Network’s board, slammed the verdict:
“We are angry that the judge has come to this conclusion today, in spite of the evidence that it was an act of care and empathy. It was Justyna’s name on the court documents, but she has actually put the whole Polish abortion system on trial. She has shown the human need and value of abortion, as a way of women to control their own bodies and lives, as well as the immeasurably cruel ways the Polish state has tried to penalise people whose only crime is helping others. Justyna has made it clear she has no regrets for helping Ania, and we are proud to work alongside her. No matter the judgement, we will continue to fund abortions.”
This case shines a harsh spotlight on Poland’s draconian abortion laws and the growing risks for activists fighting to keep reproductive rights alive.
