Gizela Jagielska resigned from her position as vice-director of medical care at the infirmary in Oleśnica. This is simply a breakthrough decision – over the years it was 1 of the most recognizable faces of the abortion environment in Poland. Her name was associated with the place where abortions were performed even in advanced months of pregnancy. Now, erstwhile he resigns from his position, the question is: is it a real departure or just a change of strategy?
Although Jagielska herself assures that her decision "has nothing to do" with pro-life protests, it is hard to believe that specified a powerful wave of prayer, vigilance and social activity did not influence this phrase. At the infirmary in Oleśnica, the rosary was regularly denied, processions and Crossways were held to halt the killing of unborn children and the conversion of staff. This place has become a symbol of the conflict for life – spiritual, social and media struggle.
There was besides a loud protest by Grzegorz Braun, who, along with a group of activists, entered the infirmary after the abortion of the kid took place in the ninth month. This event touched the consciences of many Poles – including those who had not been curious in abortion drama so far.
Resign or run?
Although Jagielska has announced that she is resigning only as vice principal, and as a doctor she intends to proceed working, many ask herself: is this not the beginning of withdrawing from the front? Is he planning to decision his activities elsewhere – to the organization, the commission, possibly the policy – where he can influence the destiny of unborn children with more force, but without a media charge?
In his statement, the doctor suggests fatigue and burning the steering function. It speaks of the deficiency of private life, the request to "let go". However, it is hard not to announcement that it was her leading function that influenced the formation of the branch and the full staff. Now, without authoritative duties, will she have even more freedom to act? Will she train others to proceed her abortion practice? Is that a silent handover?
Long-term liability
Jagielska has been a symbol of abortion in Poland for years. She, as 1 of the few, did not hesitate to publically admit to performing hundreds, if not thousands of abortions. In liberal media, portrayed as ‘brave’, ‘unbreakable’, but to many remains the face of a strategy that did not defend the most vulnerable.
She was the 1 who took women to the infirmary who were denied abortion in another institutions, hoping they would find “help” in Oleśnica. Aid that in practice meant a death conviction for a child.
Symbolic resignation, real questions
Jagielska leaves the function of vice principal, but not from public space. So it is worth asking: what next? Will it vanish from sight, or is it already preparing the ground for fresh activities – little formal but possibly even more influential? Is he going to become a mentor to those who want to proceed her line, though in a more incultative way?
There's no way to settle this today. But 1 thing is certain: any departure from power in the place where the most drastic decisions were made towards unborn children has its weight and meaning. And it is worth noting them – besides as a sign that the fact does not disappear, even if it is blocked for a moment.
jb
