Can warning others about a doctor lead to a criminal conviction? In Starogard Gdański, the answer appears to be yes. Polish judge Wojciech Jankowski sentenced Weronika, a mother of three, to four months of community service for publicly sharing her personal story. She is also required to pay 1,812 PLN in court fees and publish an apology.
A Story That Shook Public Opinion
The case began over two years ago when Weronika responded to an online query about recommended doctors for high-risk pregnancies in Starogard Gdański. The doctor in question, Piotr A., had previously diagnosed her unborn child with Down syndrome and persistently pressured her to have an abortion. According to Weronika, he even offered to perform the procedure illegally in his private clinic, which is against the law. She refused, and her child was born healthy, although the stress of the situation left lasting health effects.
Police, Court, and Controversy
Months later, Weronika was summoned by the police and informed that she was being charged with defamation under Article 212 of the Polish Penal Code. Authorities treated her as a criminal, taking her fingerprints and saliva samples—measures that many saw as unnecessary intimidation.
The trial was held behind closed doors, and on February 10, 2025, Judge Jankowski issued his controversial verdict.
A Biased Judge?
Polish judge Jankowski’s conduct during the trial raised serious concerns about impartiality. During the final hearing, he abruptly halted proceedings to summon a pro-life activist who had been protesting outside the courthouse. He questioned her for an hour about when human life begins and whether an unborn child can feel pain. At one point, he even asked her to interpret Weronika’s medical records—an action that many viewed as an attempt to discredit the pro-life movement.
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A Doctor With a Troubled Past
Piotr A. is no stranger to controversy. In the spring of 2002, a client refused to pay 2,000 PLN for an abortion. Piotr A. allegedly ordered an associate to drive the man around town and pressure him into paying. This incident caught the attention of law enforcement, leading prosecutors to examine phone records and uncover other cases of illegal abortions performed at his clinic on Przemyska Street. Reports also indicate that Piotr A. illegally sedated patients without an anesthesiologist license and possessed prescription pads stamped with other doctors’ credentials. Furthermore, media reports claimed that he was found in possession of an unregistered firearm at his home.
In 2008, Piotr A. was sentenced to two years in prison (suspended). However, the court did not revoke his medical license, allowing him to continue practicing as a gynecologist.
Weronika refuses to back down. She has the full support of the Życie i Rodzina Foundation, which has vowed to appeal the unjust ruling. The case has sparked widespread outrage and could set a precedent for future disputes over free speech and the right to warn others about medical professionals.
Watch the Story and Support Sentenced Polish Mother!
The Życie i Rodzina Foundation has produced an in-depth video detailing this shocking case. We encourage you to watch it and form your own opinion on this troubling verdict.