Trial Begins for Gynecologist Accused of Sterilizing Patient Without Consent

The trial of a Poznań gynecologist accused of performing an unauthorized procedure that left a 24-year-old patient sterile opened at the Poznań Regional Court on Thursday.

The Unauthorized Procedure

In April 2024, a 24-year-old patient sought treatment at a Poznań hospital for a suspicious ovarian lesion. According to the indictment, the gynecologist removed her right ovary and, without waiting for histopathological results, proceeded to remove both ovaries, the uterus, and the fallopian tubes.

The prosecutor alleges this action intentionally caused the patient severe bodily harm, resulting in the permanent loss of her reproductive capacity. Furthermore, the doctor is accused of performing the surgery without informed consent and falsifying medical documentation. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

Defense Claims Life-Saving Necessity

The defendant, Dariusz S., pleaded not guilty to the charges. He claimed his actions were guided by the patient’s best interests, specifically the need to protect her life against a suspected malignancy.

The doctor stated he decided to expand the surgery scope due to what he perceived as a “real threat to her life,” supported by imaging results, including a CT scan showing a large tumor. He denied that the procedure lacked medical justification.

Strong Evidence Asserted by Prosecution

Prosecutor Anna Chrobak stated that the investigation gathered sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial. She emphasized that the final assessment of these facts now rests with the court.

The victim, acting as a subsidiary prosecutor, attended the hearing and is scheduled to testify in September. Her attorney, Krzysztof Urbańczak, noted that his client remains in a fragile mental state due to the ordeal.