On November 14, butyric acid was poured over Warsaw’s Abotak abortion clinic, leading to the arrest of a father and his 18‑year‑old son on assault and assistance charges.
Abotak: Poles’ Sole Abortion Clinic
Opened in March 2025, Abotak is the only abortion clinic in Poland, located on Wiejska Street in Warsaw. It operates legally under the guidance of the Abortion Dream Team—Justyna Wydrzyńska, Natalia Broniarczyk, and Kinga Jelińska—and serves over 40 000 people yearly.
Year‑Long Anti‑Abortion Protests
Since March 2025, anti‑abortion demonstrators have camped outside Abotak, using loudspeakers, strobe lights, and banners depicting miscarried fetuses. Protesters block entry with baby carriages and have threatened the clinic with “Abortjamacht frei” signs. Polish residents complained of constant noise, reportedly 15 days a month, 6 hours daily, ranging from 80‑100 dB.
Butyric Acid Attack on November 14
On the evening of 14 November, butyric acid—an irritating corrosive—was poured onto the clinic for the fourth time. The fumes cause nausea, coughing, and burning of mucous membranes. After the spill the building required ozone treatment before cleanup could begin.
Arrests: Father and 18‑Year‑Old Son
Following this fourth attack, police finally detained a father in his fifties and his 18‑year‑old son during a routine patrol. The father faces charges under Article 288 of the Polish Penal Code for property damage, while the son is charged with aiding under Article 18 § 3, also linked to Article 288. Both have been released on bail and will be tried independently.
Broader Context of Anti‑Abortion Violence in Poland
Other high‑profile incidents include a 2025 assault on a hospital in Oleśnica by Grzegorz Braun and claims by officials that such actions amount to terrorism. The clash continues amid political pressure, with protests resisting the clinic’s presence across the city.
