Stories

Putting compassion at the heart of reproductive health For decades, access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Poland has been fraught with barriers—legal restrictions, social stigma, and economic hardship have all too often stood between people and the essential care they need. For many, particularly women and marginalized communities, SRHR services have remained out of reach. In October 2020, the crisis deepened. Poland’s illegally appointed Constitutional Tribunal ruled that abortion on the grounds of severe foetal impairment was unconstitutional, eliminating the only practical legal avenue for women to access abortion care in most cases. The result has been devastating: many women are now forced to carry pregnancies against their will, even in cases of fatal or severe fetal anomalies. Those who can afford it travel abroad; those who cannot are left to seek underground and increasingly inaccessible options. On top of that, obstetric violence is also an issue in Poland, with women experiencing disrespectful and abusive care during childbirth. Poland received the lowest score in the 2025 Contraception Policy Atlas for access to contraceptive care, primarily due to restrictive policies and insufficient government support. Moreover, relationship and sexuality education in schools is neither comprehensive nor mandatory, and it tends to reflect conservative values, with teachers often receiving limited training. In this context, in 2024, the FEDERA Health Centre opened its doors as Poland’s first NGO-operated SRHR medical facility, breaking new ground in the fight for reproductive justice. This centre is more than just a clinic, it is a safe space and a hope that no one will be left behind. Through this centre people in Poland now have access to compassionate and non-judgmental care, designed specifically for sexual, reproductive, and mental well-being. An environment where people in need are heard, respected, and truly cared for. One such example is that of a 25-year-old patient from El Salvador who came to the clinic with no legal status in Poland, no health insurance, and no knowledge of the language. By the time she arrived, she was already 30 weeks pregnant and had not seen a doctor once during her pregnancy. Fear of public institutions and language barriers had kept her from seeking care. In the FEDERA clinic, she received all the necessary prenatal tests and examinations, along with legal support to begin the process of securing legal residency in Poland. For the first time in months, she was able to focus on her health and the health of her child, without fear.   SRHR as care, safety, and protection from harm At FEDERA Health Centre, SRHR is understood not just as a medical need, but as a matter of safety, protection, and human dignity. The centre offers vital services—contraceptive counselling, gynaecological care, STI testing and treatment, and sexuality counselling—all delivered with respect, confidentiality, and compassion. Crucially, the centre reaches those who have long been excluded: survivors of sexual violence, transgender and non-binary individuals, people living with disabilities, and sex workers.   Meeting the urgent needs of refugees and asylum seekers Conflict knows no borders—and neither should care. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, thousands of women and girls have crossed into Poland in search of safety. But safety also means access to SRHR. FEDERA Health Centre has responded with urgency and care. Since September alone, more than 150 Ukrainian refugee women have received SRH services, including contraceptive, pregnancy care, breast cancer screenings, and HIV testing. These are not just statistics—they are lives protected, trauma mitigated, futures preserved. One of those lives is a 34-year-old patient who arrived in Poland shortly after the invasion. Focused entirely on creating a safe life for her children, while her husband remained in Ukraine, serving on the front lines - she didn’t think about her own health for months. That changed when she learned about the FEDERA Health Centre services, specifically designed for Ukrainian refugees. She signed up for a screening, during which a high-risk HPV strain was detected. Thanks to early diagnosis, she was able to begin an HPV vaccination series. For the first time since the war began, she felt that someone was taking care of her too.   Mental health is reproductive health FEDERA Health Centre is one of the few places in Poland where reproductive health is fully integrated with mental health support. A dedicated team of psychotherapists works alongside medical professionals to support clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional distress. This holistic model of care recognizes that reproductive health goes hand in hand with mental well-being.   A call to European leaders and donors The FEDERA Health Centre is more than a medical facility—it is a model of resilience, compassion, and rights-based care where every person—regardless of gender, status, or circumstance, can access the care they need to live a safe, healthy and happy life. By supporting these types of initiatives, we are not only ensuring care for all but also standing with women, LGBTQ+ individuals, migrants, and survivors. The current context in Poland underscores the critical importance of sustained advocacy and action to address unmet reproductive health needs. Despite the change in government in 2024, women and pregnant people in Poland, as well as Ukrainian refugees, continue to face substantial barriers in accessing SRHR care within the Polish healthcare system. Immediate measures are essential - from reforming restrictive abortion laws to ensuring respectful maternity care - so that everyone can enjoy reproductive safety and freedom.   * This case study is published as part of the Open Society Foundations project, Meeting the Essential Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of Communities Affected by the War in Ukraine and Neighboring Countries.