The activist risked up to three years in prison for having “provided abortion assistance” And “having marketed medicinal products without authorisation”according to Polish legislation, one of the strictest in Europe. “I don’t feel guilty, I don’t accept this verdict“, Justyna Wydrzynska told the press as she left the court, indicating that she was going to appeal and that she was going to continue to help women. The content of the judgment has not been made public.
“Today’s sentencing represents a new chasm in the crackdown on reproductive rights in Poland : a setback for which women and girls – and those who defend their rights – are paying a heavy price”, said Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International. “This case sets a dangerous precedent in Poland, where abortion is almost completely banned, and provides chilling insight into the consequences of such restrictive laws.”she added.