Unprotected and Assaulted: 14 Year Old Raped and Denied Abortion

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From the Gazeta, a Polish publication, an article from June 6, 2008 which deserves our attention:

A 14 year old girl in Poland ("Agata") who had been raped was admitted to a hospital in Warsaw to have an abortion (abortion is legal under Polish law when a pregnancy results from rape), only to be essentially assaulted and violated again by anti-choice activists. As of today, the procedure still has not taken place.

According to the article, the Polish Federation for Women and Family Planning has been following the story and knows that "the girl, at first, wanted to have the abortion in Lublin, where she resides. However, two hospitals refused to perform the procedure. A priest suddenly appeared in one of them during a conversation between the girl’s mother and the hospital director. The priest began trying to convince the 14-year-old that she should give birth."

Apparently, the priest along with a variety of anti-choice protesters and activists showed up at the hospital making a ruckus and trying desperately to force the young girl to carry the pregnancy to term. As a result, Agata's mother turned to the Federation for help in locating another hospital this past week, which they did. The girl was transferred to this alternative hospital and scheduled the termination.

Shockingly, the priest and his fanatical protesters showed up at this second location in Warsaw only to begin their harassment of this poor girl once again. An account of what occurred from the author of the article follows:

"I don’t know how the priest found out about a private procedure taking place in Warsaw – Wanda Nowica, president of the Federation, wonders.- Obviously, confidentiality of medical records and the patient’s right to privacy have been violated.
According to reports provided by hospital employees, all hell broke loose when abortion opponents appeared at the hospital. – It was a horror – an employee says. They attacked her. In addition to the priest, there were journalists from Radio Maryja or Trwam Television. And the women from the anti-abortion organizations occupied the office. If we went on with the procedure, the “mohair berets” [translator’s note: conservative and older female supporters of Radio Maryja] would have devouored us"

Agata was then released from this second hospital again without the procedure having been performed and anti-choice zealots have not given up:

Agata was discharged from hospital on Thursday. When she exited the hospital with her mother, women from pro-life organizations followed her – activists from the Federation say. The mother flagged a police patrol car. The police took them to a police station in the Srodmiescie District of Warsaw. But the pro-life activists made it there as well. Meanwhile, notification of a crime having been committed, the coercing of a minor to undergo an abortion, was submitted at a police station in the district of Mokotów in Warsaw. It was submitted by a representative of the Polish Federation of Pro-Life Movements. The same organization is trying to amend the current law on family planning and cross out the stipulation which allows the termination of pregnancy when it results from rape or when there is a high probability of fetal deformity or of an incurable disease. Terminating the pregnancy would then be allowed only in order to save the mother’s life. Pro-life activists did not leave Agata and her mother alone even at the police station.

According to a representative at the Federation, while anti-choice harassment is common, she has never seen this level of "persecution" before.

We'll keep you posted but if you want to act - check out some of their campaigns that may help future "Agatas."

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33 comments
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Anonymous The article is not true June 10, 2008 - 6:11am

The article from Gazeta is 100% lie.

First, the girl was not raped. She got pregnant with a friend from her school.

Second, she was not denied abortion. She refused abortion, and was later forced to abort by her mother and pro-choice activists.

Third, the pro-life activists did not attack her. They offered numerous forms of help, including financial.

Fourth, it was not attack from pro-lifers that stopped the abortion. It was ruling from a local court which quickly figured out that the "rape" version was plain lie.

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IamsickofthesebackwardPoles This article is right! June 10, 2008 - 1:47pm

Oh common - it's obvious that you are one of those apeshit crazy group the so called "pro-lifers". You are making all those allegations up. Do me a favour please and crawl back to your medieval cave turn on Radio Maryja (put some lube on your hand - and start with what you all are doing while listening to that dogmatic, anti-semitic garbage on Maryja) and give a break to all the decent people!

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Helena Gazeta June 12, 2008 - 2:19pm

Yes, people from Federa officially met "Agata" and talked to her, and Gazeta did not printed what they say; instead, they made interview with prolife activist, who claimed that she sneaked into the forster house and talked to "Agata" (and she has no proof for that).
Some heavily armed "prolife" (what? since when are anti-abortion activists for "life"? they are murderers and terrorists) freaks ind Gazeta's editor's office, Y/Y?

0
Amie Newman Would you care to back up your thoughts June 10, 2008 - 10:49am
with some actual sources of information? For someone who seems to know so much, you respond anonymously and offer not one source to confirm these allegations. Here's a tip: the next time you seek to disprove a journalist and newspaper, the documentation from an advocacy organization and information passed on by an international reproductive health coalition, please cite some actual sources. It's not that I wouldn't love to write that this story is false - it's so heinous and inhumane that I wish it was. But all indications are that it is 100% true.

Amie Newman

Managing Editor, RH Reality Check

0
Lena pro-abortion harassment it was June 10, 2008 - 11:32am

Anonymous's comment is true. "Gazeta" admitted that the "rape" thing was false. They took it back themselves in yesterday's issue of the paper. The court has a statement from the girl that she was pressured into abortion. Polish media are all over the story and it is now evident that this was pro-abortion harassment, not the other way round.
It's not the first time that "international reroductive health coalition" has passed on false info.

0
Amie Newman Can you please post a link? June 10, 2008 - 11:47am
I'd like to verify that. Thanks for the information.

Amie Newman

Managing Editor, RH Reality Check

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Helena http://www.federa.org.pl/ cl June 10, 2008 - 12:28pm

http://www.federa.org.pl/

click "English", it's the first article.

Some Polish media started reporting, that the girl wasn't raped, and that she's pressed into abortion and stuff, but so far it has been only quite extreme right-winged newspapers & websites.

0
Amie Newman As of 2pm EDT June 10, 2008 - 1:15pm
I can find no sources or information that contradicts the veracity of this story. Anti-choice organizations are attempting to make the accusation (legal accusation) that Agata, a minor, is being coerced into having an abortion. However, she has still not undergone the procedure. I will update readers as the story develops or if I receive final word that the story isn't true.

Amie Newman

Managing Editor, RH Reality Check

0
ruthless one pro lifer thinks June 10, 2008 - 10:33pm

this is great because "the baby will be saved". No matter poor Agata will suffer psychological trauma from the rape, as well as physical trauma from an unwanted pregnancy on her growing body. This pro lifer repeated the accusation the mother was "coercing" her daughter into having an abortion.

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Josephnz http://www.lifesitenews.com/ June 11, 2008 - 2:19am

http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jun/08061008.html

I think that the abortion would have damaged her life and destroyed the young life within her. At least she won't ever feel guilty of murder.

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ruthless do you know for sure- June 11, 2008 - 11:46pm

think that the abortion would have damaged her life

Or are you just guessing?
"Agata" has nothing to feel guilty about,even if she goes through with the abortion,she has done nothing wrong. The real crimnal is the animal who raped her. The anti-abortion activists need to stop harassing her so she can make the decision that is best for her. A third party trying to force his/her own decision on "Agata" is what will damage her life.

0
Helena Then you are really June 12, 2008 - 2:21pm

Then you are really dumb.
Not having an abortion will destroy her life.

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Amie Newman Citing information sources that are anti-choice June 11, 2008 - 1:10pm
and making up stories is not getting the facts. Life Site News writes articles that provide no information other than stories that conveniently fit their agenda. They call Gazeta a pro-abortion publication even though it's a news publication and decide, based on absolutely no credible information that I can find, that the girl wasn't raped, that she doesn't want an abortion and that this is all a part of a "scheme" by pro-abortion organizations. While all information points to the fact that this young girl was raped and did seek out an abortion (twice thus far), the real tragedy is that, ultimately, IT'S NONE OF OUR BUSINESS. The issue for me, as an advocate for girls and women's autonomy, an advocate for ensuring access to health care, is that this young woman seems not to be able to receive the medical care, or right to make decisions in consultation with her family and medical professionals. Instead anti-choice zealots are attempting to use her, unconscionably, in their political game. It's no one's business but hers and her parents, family and physician what this young girl decides to do. Hopefully, people will leave her alone and allow her to make the decision she feels is best for her right now.

Amie Newman

Managing Editor, RH Reality Check

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Anonymous Actually, it's our duty to June 11, 2008 - 2:02pm

Actually, it's our duty to give her proper treatment, convincing her not to have an abortion. If she was dd, that's awful, but was it the baby's crime? No. There is no justice in kiling the baby.

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rachelpea Actually... June 11, 2008 - 4:32pm

Proper treatment would be allowing her to carry through with her decision, whatever it may be. This poor girl has suffered enough, without being tormented and stalked everywhere she goes. I can't believe I'm having to remind people that it is *wrong* to coerce people into having - or not having - medical treatment that will help preserve their physical and/or mental health. Shame on you.

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Deb There is no "baby"--quit June 11, 2008 - 4:35pm

There is no "baby"--quit trying to force your religious beliefs on the rest of the world. There are some of us who believe that the fertilized egg/fetus is not fully human until ensoulment (which is what many Christians believed in the beginning of Christianity) --this could happen at any time during pregnancy up until birth --only the mother is usually aware of when this happens.The soul can choose to come back when the mother is truly ready or find another woman who is willing.

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Pray to the pasta ...Deb, you just admitted June 11, 2008 - 11:24pm

...Deb, you just admitted that your belief is also shaped by religion, and by advocating for it, you are trying to shove your religious views down other folks' throats.

How about we leave god/goddess/gods and goddesses/flying spaghetti monsters out of this debate.

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angrygrrrl Whole truth about 14-year- June 12, 2008 - 5:04am

Whole truth about 14-year- old pregnant girl from Lublin, Poland:
http://www.federa.org.pl/?page=news&newsid=432&lang=2

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Anonymous There was no rape. Only June 12, 2008 - 7:31am

There was no rape. Only Wanda Nowicka and other feminazist Valkyries wants to kill the baby. Gazeta Wyborcza is a big liar and in Poland all knows that. The girl didn't want kill her baby, only her mother and babykiller Nowicka. Many people of good will disclaimed help to save the child.

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Wedontneednostinkinsources Source? Here you June 12, 2008 - 7:36am

Source? Here you are:

http://wyborcza.pl/1,75478,5292018,Wojna_o_ciaze_14_latki.html

It's the same "Gazeta Wyborcza" that wrote on Saturday about "raped" girl. They admited on Monday, that there was no evidences of rape.

BTW, it couldn't be also just mistake. In Poland, unlike in US, an intercourse with underaged girl isn't call "statutory rape" or "rape" in any form, and CAN'T be mistaken with "real" rape (i.e. forced intercourse).

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Helena What IS evidence of rape June 12, 2008 - 2:24pm

What IS evidence of rape for prolife freaks? Nothing. Not even having it on video.
Wounds are no evidence, "we've read in magazine that there are people who enjoy rough sex". Prolife terrorist citation.

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Amie Newman Just because Poland does not recognize rape June 12, 2008 - 4:01pm
as a legal term when unwanted or forced sex occurs with an underaged girl, does NOT mean it isn't rape. Secondly, this article did NOT say there was no evidence of rape. They said sexual intercourse occurred with another schoolmate. I don't know why you find it necessary to find any evidence you can hold onto in order to prove that rape did not occur. Finally, as I have written, what has occurred thus far to this poor girl, being harrassed and violated by those who call themselves "pro-life" is absolutely horrendous. She and her family need to be left alone and allowed to make the decisions they can in this situation. That said, she is already almost 11 weeks pregnant and if she does want to have an abortion, she needs to be able to access that abortion in the next week. If anti-choice zealots continue to stand in her way when it is clear she has decided to have an abortion, it will be close to unforgivable. Again, I brought this case to people's attention because of the furor and circus on both sides. Hopefully, Poland will amend its public policy related to abortion so safe abortion is an option for women who need it or want it - not just in cases resulting from rape. In this instance, I hope people will leave this young girl alone so the noise can stop and she can hear herself think.

Amie Newman

Managing Editor, RH Reality Check

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Anonymous Are you saying that there June 12, 2008 - 8:53pm

Are you saying that there is no legal equivalent of "statutory rape" over there, so rape is rape, not "underage kids had consensual sex, but its rape because they're underage"....? That's what I picked up. Amie and Helena, am I missing something, or did you two jump the gun on this?

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Amie Newman What I'm saying is June 13, 2008 - 12:27am
that we don't know what happened. All evidence and information uncovered from the newspaper and the advocacy organization that has been helping her points to the fact that she was raped by a schoolmate - forced to have sex. Anti-choice activists in Poland (and some in these comments) are claiming she wasn't raped for a variety of reasons - one of which is that since it was a schoolmate then it couldn't be rape - an explanation that makes no sense. From what I can gather, legally in Poland, there is no statutory rape. As far as I know, no one knows for sure whether or not the sex between these two people was consensual. If it was consensual, certainly rape is not an issue. However, if the sex was NOT consensual then that IS rape regardless of whether or not Poland defines it as such legally. Sadly, however, if Poland does not consider coerced sex by a minor rape then this young girl is not legally allowed to undergo an abortion. Ultimately, as I state and re-state, it doesn't matter what her personal situation. All that matters here is that this family is left alone to clear their minds, support each other and care for this young woman - whatever her choice may be.

Amie Newman

Managing Editor, RH Reality Check

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Helena Very obviously it was rape, June 16, 2008 - 4:38am

Very obviously it was rape, because it was NOT consensual.

"underage kids had consensual sex, but its rape because they're underage"
Maybe in America.

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Anonymous Yes, in America its called June 16, 2008 - 8:07am

Yes, in America its called "statutory rape." At the time of my question, no English translation had been made available of her comments.

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Helena So, this is why people June 12, 2008 - 2:13pm

So, this is why people claim that she wasn't raped:
The rapist was her schoolmate, around the same age.

Well, that totally makes sense. 14-years-old girl is adult woman, prepared to be a mother. 14-years-old guy is just a child, who is uncapable of raping someone.
Also, no woman has ever been raped by her friend.

Prolife are disgusting, absolutely disgusting.
They will probably start claiming that "Agata" is into BDSM, and that's why she was beaten up.

I also do not understand why European Union does not push Poland into changing their sick laws. Fuck that, I'm not EU supporter anymore, they are useless.

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angrygrrrl The girl WAS raped. June 12, 2008 - 11:45pm

The girl WAS raped. federa.org.pl has an interview with her. She is imprisoned in some "juvenile home" in custody of the priest who harassed her. Is that how "life" is being saved? What about the girl's life?

0
ceeveeh Thank you, Annie Newman, June 13, 2008 - 4:27pm

Thank you, Annie Newman, for staying on top of this story and handling the apparently baseless accusations of some the commentators with such courtesy and professionalism.

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Amie Newman You are welcome! June 13, 2008 - 5:08pm

I feel honored to be able to do so, despite the clear tragedy here. Thanks for your kind words - I really do appreciate it!

Amie Newman

Managing Editor, RH Reality Check

0
Anonymous Annie Rocks! June 13, 2008 - 5:28pm

You're my favorite RHRC personality!

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Helena The abortion was performed June 18, 2008 - 9:54am

The abortion was performed yesterday, in Gdansk.

Also, the court decided that she can return to her parents.

Says Dziennik Wschodni; no translations yet.

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Marta well, I can provide you June 28, 2008 - 1:04pm

well, I can provide you some background on the Polish legal regulations, 'cause I see you're lacking them:
1.the abortion in Poland is legal in the cases: two medical (described somewhere above) and one legal - when the pregnancy is an effect of an illegal act. Illegal act may be a rape, a sexual intercourse with a minor (under the age of 15), decepteive intercourse (like pretending to be someone else or secretly giving drugs to the victim) and similar.

2.there was a discussion, whether 'Agata' has been raped or not; but from the legal point of view it is of no difference, because due to her age it was still a illegal act. the boy, who appeared to be her long-term boyfriend, would be prosecuted for having sex with a minor (he is already 15), but he is still a minor according to criminal law (must be 17), so will not be punished as an adult.

3.the mother cannot be accused of compelling her daughter to have an abortion, since she is her legal quardian and it is her who is to make legally binding decission about abortion (due to the fact, that the girl is over 13, must have her written agreement). How somebody who is appointed to make the decission can compel the decission maker at the same time? nonesense.

4.the hospitals administartion illegally disclosed her personal data to the so-called 'pro-lifers', violating the bill on data prostection as well as infrigding the patent's rights

5.since the girl was entitled to have a legal abortion (which was prooved by the public prosecutor office that issued all the needed documents for that), it was no one's business what her decission will be like. harrassing her by the pro-lifers was a cruel, terroristic attempt.

6.The Federation on Women and Family Planning was contacted by 'Agata's' mother, who asked the federation for help. No sneaking, no harrassing. The pro-lifers, with fr. Podstawka as a leader, was acting on the egde of law or even beyond it.

all the 'thunderstorms' in the media was absolutely unneccessary and had nothing to do with the law. the topic is very emoctional in Poland, unfortunately...

ps. if the girl wanted to have an illigal abortion, it will cost her ca.$1000. abortion underground in Poland is enourmous (estimated 80,000-200,000 a year). And the pro-lifers don't give a shit about it, as long as it is 'non visible'...