Poland's Supreme Medical Chamber informed on Wednesday (July 19) it has launched an inquiry to explain all details of the police intervention against a woman who had taken an abortion pill. "We won't stand for violation of patient's right to intimacy, the physician-patient privilege as well as hampering efforts to help the patient," the Chamber said. The Patient Ombudsman and the Commissioner for Human Rights have also launched separate inquiries in order to explain the incident.
The woman, whose name is Joanna, decided to take an abortion pill as the pregancy posed danger to her health. As her mental and physical condition was getting worse, she notified her doctor. In the hospital, Joanna was questioned and searched by the police, who also seized her laptop and phone.
Furthermore, the woman claims the officers surrounded her, ordered her to undress, do squats and cough, even though she was still bleeding.
Looking into Joanna's complaint against having her items taken away, the court said that not only the woman had not been even a suspect, but no charges against her had been even considered.
The story of Joanna was revealed on Tuesday by "Fakty" TVN reporter Renata Kijowska.
In response to the story revealed by "Fakty" TVN, the National Police Headquarters said in a statement on Wednesday that the intervention had been carried out after the psychiatrist had notified the police about a potential suicide attempt by his patient, who had taken a substance of unknown origin.
The Ministry of Health confirmed that it was the patient's doctor who had notified the police.
"The information did not pertain to abortion or taking an abortion pill, but danger to the patient's life," the ministry explained, adding that doctors and hospital staff had acted in the right way.
Supreme Medical Chamber launches inquiry
Poland's Supreme Medical Chamber informed in a tweet on Wednesday that it launched an inquiry into Joanna's case.
"According to the information we have gathered, the services were notified about a potential suicide attempt. Any doctor who suspects such an attempt is duty bound to notify proper authorities in order to save the life in danger," the chamber said.
"Conversations with the 112 dispatcher are recorded, and therefore it can be verified. In case of violation of the physician-patient privilege, adequate Screener for Professional Liability will launch an inquiry into the matter," we read in the statement.
"At the same time we would like to stress that what has happened to the patient constitutes a violation of patients' rights and we hope the Patient Ombudsman will open a case ex officio," the medical chamber said.
"We won't stand for violation of patient's right to intimacy, the physician-patient privilege as well as hampering efforts to help the patient. The physician-patient privilege in Poland can only be lifted by court."
Patient's right to intimacy and dignity
The Patient Ombudsman also issued a statement regarding Joanna's ordeal, saying that he had learned about the incident from the report by "Fakty" TVN. "We have immediately taken action aimed to explain the situation and verify all circumstances surrounding it."
"According to preliminary information, the life and health of the patient could have been in danger. Detailed explanations are in order, including an analysis of documentation and surveillance footage," we read.
Furthermore, the ombudsman said that patients have the right to intimacy and dignity when receiving medical assistance.
The Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights said it would look into the case of Joanna and that it had asked the chief of Kraków Metropolitan Police to explain the reasons for the police intervention, especially the legal basis.
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, tvn24.pl, Fakty TVN, PAP