Appeal Trial Begins in Katowice for Doctors Convicted in Death of Izabela from Pszczyna

A crucial legal stage has begun in Katowice in one of the most high-profile medical cases of recent years. Three doctors appeared before the District Court, appealing their conviction for offenses related to the death of 30-year-old Izabela at a hospital in Pszczyna in September 2021. The appellate proceedings are being held in camera, meaning neither the media nor the public have access to the courtroom or the transcripts. The court of first instance, the Regional Court, issued its verdict in July 2025. It found all three defendants guilty of exposing the patient to an immediate danger of loss of life. One of the doctors was additionally convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Izabela's death resulted from septic shock that occurred during her hospitalization. The case of Izabela's death from Pszczyna became a symbol of problems in perinatal care in Poland and a catalyst for nationwide protests under the slogan "Women's Protest" in 2021. The tragedy intensified the debate on access to abortion following the 2020 Constitutional Tribunal ruling, which deemed abortion due to severe fetal defects unconstitutional. These events were part of a broader social conflict concerning reproductive rights. The appeal trial is strictly legal in nature and focuses on assessing the correctness of the first-instance verdict. The doctors' attorneys may challenge both the court's factual findings and the legal classification of the acts, as well as the sentence. The District Court may uphold the appealed verdict, modify it, or overturn it and remand the case for reconsideration. The second-instance decision may not be final, as a party dissatisfied with the ruling can still file a cassation appeal to the Supreme Court. The lack of public access to the trial is controversial, but courts often apply such measures in cases that have evoked strong public emotions to ensure a calm proceeding and protect the parties. In practice, this means the details of the defense's arguments and the prosecution's position remain confidential until the verdict is announced. According to media reports, the doctors appeared in court, but the hearing is taking place in an atmosphere of silence and behind closed doors. This form of proceeding hinders public oversight of a case with such significant symbolic weight. For the family of the deceased Izabela and for groups demanding healthcare reform, the appeal trial is another stage in a long fight for accountability. Its outcome will be significant not only for those directly involved but also for shaping medical standards of conduct in similar critical situations.