In July 2025, three doctors were convicted in the death of 30-year-old Izabela, with an appellate court later increasing one sentence in March.
Court Convictions and Sentences
In July 2025, the Regional Court in Pszczyna found all defendants guilty of endangering the patient with risk to life, and one of them with unintentional causing of her death. Michał M., an obstetrician-gynecologist on morning duty in the emergency room, was sentenced to one year and three months. Andrzej P., an obstetrician-gynecologist on duty in the ward, received a prison sentence of one year and six months.
Only Krzysztof P., deputy head of the department, received a suspended sentence: one year of imprisonment suspended for two years. The court also imposed a temporary ban on practicing the profession (from 4 to 6 years) on all defendants.
Appellate Court Ruling
On Tuesday (March 3), the District Court in Katowice increased the sentence for one of the doctors. Krzysztof P. was also sentenced to one year of unconditional imprisonment. The verdict was upheld in the remaining scope.
Each of the defendants must pay 10,940 PLN to three auxiliary prosecutors as reimbursement for the costs of appointing representatives. The doctors were also burdened with court costs. Krzysztof P. must pay over 26,000 PLN to the State Treasury, while the others must pay over 21,000 PLN.
The Case of Izabela
Izabela was 30 years old. In September 2021, Izabela was admitted to the District Hospital in Pszczyna after her amniotic fluid broke at the 22nd week of pregnancy. Earlier, doctors had detected developmental abnormalities in the fetus.
The woman died as a result of septic shock. She was 30 years old. The family has always emphasized that doctors delayed ending the pregnancy for too long, which – in their opinion – contributed to her death. Izabela’s death, which left a young daughter orphaned, triggered nationwide protests under the slogan “Not one more.” The demonstrations were an expression of opposition to the current abortion laws.
