- The most common diagnosis was trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
- Another common diagnosis was defects in two or more systems or organs on imaging studies
- Another year in a row, no surgery was performed in the Podkarpacie region
According to the Ministry’s data, in 2019, 1,000 medical examinations were carried out in hospitals. 110 abortion procedures. For comparison, a year earlier such procedures were performed by 1 thousand. 76 (also five in hospitals of the Ministry of Interior and Administration).
With 1 thousand. 110 abortion made last year the vast majority – 1 thousand 74 treatments – performed after prenatal tests or other medical indications indicated a high probability of a severe and irreversible fetal impairment or an incurable life-threatening disease.
The most common diagnosis was trisomy 21 (Down syndrome): in 271 cases without coexisting somatic defects, and in 164 cases with somatic defects.
Another common diagnosis – 200 cases – were defects in two or more systems or organs on imaging studies. In 156 cases, a defect concerning one system or organ was identified.
In 88 cases the diagnosis indicated trisomy 13 or trisomy 18 with concomitant somatic defects, and in 60 cases – trisomy 13 or trisomy 18 without comorbidities. Other diagnoses include genetic syndromes with fetal edema and Turner syndrome with concomitant somatic defects.
Moreover, the procedure was performed in 33 cases because the pregnancy posed a threat to the woman’s life or health. There were also three abortions because there was a reasonable suspicion that the pregnancy resulted from a criminal act (such as rape or incest).
Most abortions were performed in hospitals in the province. Mazowieckie (265), Śląskie (128), Pomorskie (124) and Małopolskie (108). Another year in a row, no surgery was performed in the Podkarpacie region. Less than 20 abortions were performed in the province. in Lublin (12), Warmia and Mazury (17) and in Lubuskie (19).
Abortion. Provisions of the act
The current act of 1993 allows for an abortion when pregnancy poses a threat to the life or health of a woman, there is a high probability of severe and irreversible impairment of the fetus or an incurable life-threatening disease, or when the pregnancy resulted from a prohibited act (rape or incest).
In the first two cases, termination of pregnancy is allowed until the fetus is able to live independently outside the mother’s body. In the case of a prohibited act – if no more than 12 weeks have elapsed from the beginning of pregnancy.
The act stipulates that “persons covered by social insurance and persons entitled under separate provisions to free medical care are entitled to free termination of pregnancy in medical institutions”.
A written consent of the woman is required for termination of pregnancy. In the case of a minor or a fully incapacitated woman, a written consent of her legal representative is required. In the case of a teenager over 13, her written consent is also required. In the case of a minor under 13 years of age, the consent of the guardianship court is required, and the minor has the right to express her opinion. In the case of a completely incapacitated woman, her written consent is also required, unless her mental health does not allow her to express her consent. If the legal representative does not consent, the consent of the guardianship court is required for termination of pregnancy.
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