Poland adds pregnancy to patient’s medical data

A new regulation that came into force in Poland Saturday requiring pregnancy information to be uploaded to the national digital system has raised concerns among women’s organizations that it could be another means for the conservative government to control women’s lives.
Women’s groups suggest the Health Ministry regulation would enable authorities to monitor pregnancies as another means of control in the country with a very strict anti-abortion law.
The ministry had denied this, saying the regulation stems from European Union directives and will help doctors treat patients by providing them with vital information quickly.
Under Poland’s right-wing government, abortion is allowed in only if the pregnancy threatens the woman’s health or results from crime like rape or incest. Women are not penalized for abortions, only those performing or assisting in them.