Iryna K., 18, was charged after allegedly giving birth in her company’s bathroom and discarding the live newborn in a dumpster outside the factory on 15 September 2024.
Incident at the Workplace
In a company in Mieńskie County, the alleged mother gave birth to a male infant in a company bathroom, then placed the live child in a trash bag and removed it outside the premises into a dumpster, where the baby died.
Background of the Alleged Mother
According to the prosecutor, the woman, Iryna K., became pregnant at the beginning of 2024. She arrived in Poland in July for work and was employed by the same company, where she lived in on‑site workers’ housing. Her colleagues noticed a slightly protruding belly but she denied being pregnant when questioned, citing bowel problems.
Timeline of the Incident
On 15 September 2024 in the afternoon, Iryna K. went to the basement bathroom, where she delivered a boy. The child was alive, healthy and capable of independent survival with proper medical care, the prosecutor said.
Medical and Police Response
After delivery, the woman experienced severe obstetric bleeding. She was taken to a hospital where emergency procedures were performed. Because a placenta was still present and no fetus remained, police were notified, and the woman told doctors that she had discharged the newborn into a dumpster.
Legal Proceedings
In psychiatric assessment, investigators found she had denied her pregnancy and was unable to fully grasp the gravity of the act. She is charged with murder under article 149 of the Polish Penal Code, linked to article 31 §2. The district court granted a three‑month temporary arrest and is now applying preventive measures. The offence, described as “infanticide,” carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
