Polish pregnancy‑employment controversies spark protests and court rulings

In Wrocław, the appointment of obstetrician Gizela Jagielska to the city’s largest perinatal centre ignited protests from doctors and nurses. Critics, including Law and Justice MP Michał Kowalski, argued that Jagielska’s history of performing abortions in the ninth month made her unsuitable for a maternity ward, leading to staff refusals to cooperate.

Separately, a district court in Łódź upheld the Social Insurance Institution’s (ZUS) finding that a woman hired as a cleaner while seven months pregnant was employed only to secure maternity benefits. The court ruled the contract was fictitious, confirming ZUS’s assessment and denying the woman’s claim for benefits.