Polish Health Ministry to keep pregnancy data in register amid birth control debates

The pregnancy register, introduced in 2022, faced significant criticism in Poland before the elections from opponents of the previous government. Post-election, it is confirmed that data will continue to be collected, but only at the explicit request of the woman.

Despite changes allowing pregnancy data to be collected only at a woman's request, Poland's pregnancy register remains controversial and is required by EU regulations to stay in the system until 2028, amid ongoing concerns about privacy and potential negative impacts on women's health and autonomy.

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Jakub Gołąb, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, confirmed to the Information Agency Radio (IAR) that medical data on pregnancy will be recorded only upon the patient’s request, as per the planned regulation update set to take effect in September.

However, EU regulations require that such data remain in Poland's information system until 2028 to allow for cross-border data exchange in exceptional cases.

The pregnancy register, which focuses on protecting the fetus rather than the well-being of the pregnant woman, has been criticized as "fetus-centered."

While the Ministry of Health asserts that the data is for medical purposes only and not for prosecuting women for terminating pregnancies, many women still fear for their privacy and the impact of the register on their health decisions.

Pregnancy register updated in Poland. Data collected on request, still required by EU rules

Karolina Gierdal from the Pro Abo Foundation noted in an interview with Polish Radio 24 that the system could lead to negative health and emotional consequences for women.

Given the controversies surrounding the register and the case of Izabela from Pszczyna, social concerns remain high.

Organizations like the Federation for Women and Family Planning and the Commissioner for Human Rights stress the need for precise regulations on personal data protection.

Source: IAR/MZ/PAP/Polskie Radio 24

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