The future of midwifery in Poland is under threat
Polish Ministry of Health presented a draft amendment to the Act on the Professions of Nurse and Midwife which would abolish basic university studies in midwifery. Future midwives would complete nursing studies and then only a shortened supplementary programme in midwifery.
This would weaken an independent medical profession focused on sexual and reproductive health. Midwives support women throughout their lives – from puberty, through pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care, to menopause. They also play a crucial role in abortion care. Their competences should be strengthened, not reduced.
Updated perinatal care standards enter into force
On 7 May, the updated Organisational Standard of Perinatal Care, a regulation of the Polish Minister of Health that sets out how healthcare providers should organise care during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and in particularly sensitive situations, including pregnancy loss, entered into force.
From an SRHR perspective, the content and implementation of Standard are crucial for patients’ dignity, safety, autonomy, access to information and respectful treatment.
Emergency contraception pilot programme extended until 2028
In May, the Ministry of Health decided to extend the pilot programme enabling pharmacists to issue prescriptions for emergency contraception until 30 June 2028. The programme allows access to emergency contraception in participating pharmacies without the need for a prior medical appointment.
The extension preserves an existing route of access, but it does not solve the problem. Only 1,446 pharmacies participate in the programme out of approximately 12,000–13,000 pharmacies across Poland, and this number has not significantly increased for some time.
As part of the “Morning After” campaign, FEDERA called on the Ministry of Health to remove barriers preventing more pharmacies from joining the programme, including excessive formal requirements, reporting obligations and inefficient IT tools. Emergency contraception is time-sensitive healthcare and must be accessible in practice, not only on paper.
FEDERA publishes a new brochure on miscarriage
FEDERA published a new comprehensive brochure on miscarriage, with substantive consultation from medical, legal and psychological experts. The publication explains what miscarriage is, how it may proceed, what rights patients have after miscarriage, and where support can be found.
In May, FEDERA also continued its patronage of “Przegra”, a monodrama based on the experience of miscarriage. After the performances in Poznań and Warsaw, FEDERA led meetings on the medical and legal aspects of miscarriage.
Białystok restricts anti-abortion propaganda in the city centre
In May, anti-abortion groups once again targeted patients and medical staff at St. Adalbert’s Hospital in Gdańsk. A demonstration announced outside the hospital’s childbirth school meant another attempt to expose people seeking healthcare to harassment, graphic imagery and intimidation.
At the same time, the Białystok City Council adopted new rules prohibiting anti-abortion protests and public sermons in the strict city centre. The change entered into force on 9 May and marks an important step towards protecting public space from disinformation, harassment and drastic imagery.
FEDERA hopes that other cities will follow Białystok’s example – especially by introducing restrictions around hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Accessing healthcare must not mean being forced to pass through anti-abortion harassment.
