WUNRN
European
Court Issues Landmark Decision Against Poland,
Says
Women Entitled To Prenatal Genetic Testing
05.26.11 - (Press Release) Today, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Poland violated a woman’s human rights when she was repeatedly denied a prenatal genetic examination after a doctor discovered fetal irregularities during a sonogram. The test would have informed the woman’s decision on whether or not to terminate her pregnancy. For the first time in its history, the Court specifically found that an abortion-related violation amounted to inhumane and degrading treatment. The Court also cited a violation of the woman’s private life and ordered the Polish government to compensate her.
“Today’s decision is a groundbreaking victory for women across Europe. Governments cannot let doctors impose their anti-abortion ideology on pregnant women who are seeking genetic testing,” said Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights. “The court has recognized that withholding information or lawful health services from a woman deprives her of the ability to make extremely important and private decisions about her own life.”
Poland has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in Europe, but the law does allow for abortion in cases of fetal abnormality. In the ruling, the Court also noted that Poland needs to effectively implement its law by ensuring women’s access to diagnostic procedures.
R.R.*, the woman who filed a petition against Poland, was repeatedly sent to numerous doctors, clinics and hospitals far from her home and even hospitalized for several days without explanation – all in an effort to prolong her pregnancy. In the end, her pregnancy surpassed the time limit for abortion on fetal impairment grounds. R.R. is represented by lawyers from the Polish Federation for Women in Family Planning and the University of Warsaw Law Clinic with the Center for Reproductive Rights.
“Unfortunately, R.R.’s experience is a common one in Poland. The exceedingly restrictive and unclear abortion law framework in the country continues to expose women to serious human rights violations. It’s time that the Polish government enforces its laws and protects the human rights of its citizens,” said Christina Zampas, senior regional manager and legal adviser for Europe. ”
In R.R. v. Poland, R.R. argued that her rights to be free from inhuman and degrading treatment, private and family life, access to justice, and nondiscrimination were violated and asked that Poland change its practice for prenatal examinations and women’s access to abortion and its policy on conscientious objection.
*The initials used are a pseudonym used to protect the identity of the client.