Health Policy Shifts Affect Polish Gynecology and Obstetrics

The general terms and conditions governing contracts between the National Health Fund and departments of gynecology and obstetrics will be revised. The head of any institution entering into an agreement with the National Health Fund must ensure that termination of pregnancy is carried out in accordance with Polish law, according to Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna. Earlier, Katarzyna Kotula, the so-called minister of equality, spoke of consequences for hospitals that refuse to perform abortions.

Leszczyna threatens to terminate contracts

Speaking at a press conference focused on safeguarding women’s health, Minister Leszczyna recalled that Polish law allows abortion when the pregnancy endangers the woman’s life or health, or in cases of crime such as rape or incest, among other circumstances.

She reminded doctors that Article 39 of the Act on the Profession of Doctors and Dentists allows a physician to refrain from a specific procedure in certain situations, but not when the patient’s health or life is at risk. This aligns with Article 30 of the same act, as explained by Leszczyna.

She stressed that the conscience clause cannot be invoked if there is a threat to a woman’s health or life.

In this context, the health ministry chief announced changes to the provisions within the general terms and conditions of contracts between the National Health Fund and gynecological and obstetric departments. She asserted that the contract must explicitly require the institution’s head to guarantee termination of pregnancy in line with Polish law.

She added that there will be no lists designating hospitals where termination of pregnancy is performed or not performed.

For parties seeking to sign a contract with the National Health Fund, a package of reimbursed benefits must be included; otherwise the contract will not be granted.

– Leszczyna noted.

Katarzyna Kotula, the so-called minister of equality, discussed decisive actions in this area shortly after the government took shape in December 2023.

READ ALSO: This is equality! Katarzyna Kotula wants to punish hospitals that refuse to end an unborn life!

The morning-after pill is available for minors

At a Warsaw press conference on women’s health safety, the health minister stated that emergency contraception is available across the European Union and in the majority of other nations. She mentioned ellaOne, which contains ulipristal acetate, as the over-the-counter option. This substance does not terminate a pregnancy but prevents fertilization.

She suggested making the pill accessible without a prescription starting at age 15, aligning with expert opinions from obstetricians and gynecologists, who indicate that a girl has reached full sexual maturity.

Leszczyna emphasized the importance of taking the pill promptly. Delays in medical visits can prolong the process, and in these situations, time is critical. She added that avoiding unwanted pregnancies in Poland requires comprehensive school-based education.

Health education in schools is essential not only for understanding one’s psyche, body, and physiology, but also for teaching self-care, time management, and healthy eating—critical components of sexual and reproductive health, according to the minister.

HPV vaccination as a health passport

Leszczyna spoke about HPV vaccinations for both girls and boys, noting that the ministry has not yet achieved broad coverage in 12- to 13-year-olds. There are very few people vaccinated, she admitted, but said boys and girls are included in the free vaccination program. She highlighted the need to improve information distribution because the lack of awareness contributes to the low vaccination rate.

She underlined the importance of understanding that preventing cervical cancer, which claims thousands of lives yearly, offers children a healthier future, describing vaccination as a ticket to health in this regard. She signaled a renewed push to expand vaccination to younger children as well.

– she announced.

Vaccinations in schools?

Beyond broad media campaigns, the ministry plans organizational steps as well. Discussions have been held with Minister Nowacka about administering vaccinations in schools, while acknowledging that parental presence is required for any medical procedure performed on a child. The plan is to organize these vaccination efforts within schools, with appropriate safeguards.

– she said.

Project “Safe, conscious self”

The health ministry leader introduced a program for women titled “Safe, conscious self.” The aim is to help women of all ages feel secure about protecting their health. Part of the initiative includes an in vitro program. Beginning in February, a team will begin developing accessibility criteria for both patients and healthcare institutions that wish to participate in the project.

– she noted.

The Ministry of Health will allocate at least half a billion zlotys each year for this purpose. The program will commence on June 1.

– she announced.

Leszczyna also drew attention to oncofertility, highlighting its importance for young people who wish to have children but must undergo cancer-related surgery. She outlined a major educational, informational, and awareness campaign to demonstrate that parenthood is possible after cancer.

She further stated that prenatal testing will be available to all pregnant women, using state-of-the-art, non-invasive methods.

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