Polish MP Katarzyna Kotula defended First Lady Marta Nawrocka, criticizing backlash over her views on in vitro and abortion.
Kotula’s Defense of Nawrocka
On February 17, Left MP Katarzyna Kotula addressed Marta Nawrocka’s TVN24 interview, questioning the outrage directed at the First Lady. Kotula noted criticism of former First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda for avoiding women’s issues, contrasting it with Nawrocka’s active engagement. “Now we have a First Lady with ideas, who wants to realize herself. I don’t understand the outrage,” Kotula stated, adding that while disagreements on views are valid, the backlash was unjustified.
Kotula emphasized Nawrocka’s right to speak, particularly regarding in vitro. She interpreted Nawrocka’s silence on state funding as indirect support. “As a feminist, I am outraged by this heaped on the First Lady,” Kotula declared, criticizing other women for silencing Nawrocka’s voice despite differing opinions.
Nawrocka’s Views on In Vitro and Abortion
Marta Nawrocka affirmed her stance during the TVN24 interview, stating women unable to conceive naturally should not be denied in vitro access. As a mother of three conceived naturally, she stressed, “I would not deny this right to another person.” However, she declined to comment on Poland’s abortion law, which permits termination only in cases of maternal life risk or rape.
Nawrocka shared her personal history: becoming a young mother, choosing life due to faith and family support, and now having a 23-year-old son. “My decision is: I gave birth and I am for life, against abortion,” she declared, emphasizing her pro-life stance rooted in experience.
Journalists’ Criticism
Journalists reacted critically to Nawrocka’s interview. “Wysokie Obcas” columnist Natalia Waloch called it a “catastrophic performance,” stating, “I am disgusted and disappointed.” She advised Nawrocka to remain silent, an exception to her feminist principle of amplifying women’s voices.
“Gazeta Wyborcza” writer Agnieszka Kublik defended Nawrocka’s right to speak, criticizing Waloch’s call for silence. “Feminist advising a woman to be quiet?” Kublik questioned, arguing that disagreement with Nawrocka’s views or style doesn’t justify silencing her, as long as she doesn’t lie or harm others.
