Kai Godek Foundation loses in court. The Gdańsk decision to dissolve the assembly was justified
The Gdańsk District Court dismissed the appeal from the Life and Family Foundation regarding the dissolution of an anti-abortion assembly, ruling that it could stigmatize patients' decisions.
On March 2, 2026, the Gdańsk District Court upheld the decision to dissolve an anti-abortion assembly that had taken place on January 18, 2026, near a hospital in Zaspa, dismissing the appeal filed by the Life and Family Foundation, led by Kai Godek. The court determined that the assembly could lead to stigmatization of patients making healthcare decisions, drawing a line between lawful protest and actions that infringe on the rights and experiences of individuals seeking medical care.
During the court proceedings, which were attended by observers from OKO.press, the presiding neo-judge Michał Jank stressed that the case was not about the nature of the assembly itself, which had been extensively documented. Rather, it focused on the implications of allowing such a protest continue in a manner that disrupted the peace of both medical staff and patients. The ruling has sparked discussions about the balancing act between the right to protest and the need to protect patients' rights in sensitive situations.
This decision is significant not only because it limits the activities of anti-abortion groups but also sets a precedent in Poland regarding the intersection of public protests and healthcare access. The outcome could inspire similar legal challenges across the country and provoke further debates about freedom of expression versus the potential negative impact on vulnerable individuals seeking medical assistance. The ruling signifies ongoing tensions in Poland regarding reproductive rights and highlights the judiciary's role in addressing these complex social issues.